P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub image

P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub

Restaurant Bar Pub Live music venue Function room facility Irish pub

One of the Most Reviewed Pubs in Cairns


Address

87 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

Website

www.pjobriens.com.au

Contact

+61 7 4031 5333

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (1.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 11:30 AM to 3 AM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 3 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11:30 AM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), 11:30 AM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: friendly (10) great (10) Cairns (9) good (9) nice (8) Great (8) Irish (8) staff (7) atmosphere (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 lucernstring1 2 years ago on Google
    P.J O'Brien's in Cairns is awesome, Excellent food and atmosphere. If you go to Cairns definitely walk in grab a beer and look at all the antiques and memorabilia. We had bbq pork ribs, probably the best we've ever had and we've had ribs at a lot of restaurants over the last 25 years. Staff were young friendly and energetic. We'll be back there for sure. If this review was helpful please give it a" like"
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 libor z. 1 year ago on Google
    Horrible experience!!! The door guy took a picture of my ID and then placed his iPad in the front of my face and took a picture of me. That happened with no explanation, no questions asked. I was being verbally abused with physical threats if I don’t leave. I only asked to erase my picture from his tablet. Police has been informed and I’m trying to place the charges as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Buddy B. 1 year ago on Google
    Don't waste your time with this pathetic pub, go somewhere else! Cruise ship stopped for the day. Wanted something other than cruise ship food and wanted a long island iced tea. Stopped in at P.J. O'Brien's at 4pm. Asked for a long island. Was told they don't make cocktails. Asked what all the liquor in the bar was for then. Smart a** female bartender restated "we don't make cocktails". Was told they don't serve food until 5pm. Went somewhere else and spent my money and would suggest you go somewhere else as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jessica P. 1 year ago on Google
    Normal old style pub filled with lots of young people. Staff were fine. Food was nice. Not a big menu but could wrangle it a bit to do a vegan and gf dish. Not much of a dance floor but if you're like me, the boogie must have it's way lol! The band has a stage area so they're safe from punters.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seoyeon J. 8 months ago on Google
    We only had beers in here, but visited 3 times during our holiday. It has nice and quite vibe in the daytime. Nice place to sit down, chill, chat with friends! My friends all loved this place :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Steven C. 7 months ago on Google
    Bangers and mash. Huge meal! Didn't have anything heavier than a light beer. Light beers work better in the tropical heat of Cairns.. more water.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John B S. 2 years ago on Google
    Decent place to have a pint of Guinness and a lamb stew. And if with your mates, maybe a game of pool. A lot of seating inside. Full of nooks and crannies, most of them pretty dark and private. Decor very specific and typical PJ O’Brien’s. Outside, also plenty of seating. Bar and restaurant staff were friendly and helpful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan S. 5 months ago on Google
    Shared a seafood basket, and it was more than enough for two of us. Loved the place. Of course had to have a Guinness

  • 5/5 Luke C. 4 months ago on Google
    My first time in Cairns just so happened to coincide with the aftermath of cyclone Jasper. So to visit this friendly place was welcome indeed. Staff were extremely welcoming and friendly. Food was so delicious I forgot to snap a pic.

  • 1/5 Oz S. 6 months ago on Google
    Got the tbone with mash. Very poor cut of tbone and the mash was noticeably instant. Also no Kilkenny ?? The very opposite of hospitality was displayed by Olivia.

  • 5/5 Nea B. 6 months ago on Google
    Great Irish pub and always great vibes! Outdoor smoking area and local hub. Always fun times. The backpackers meal deal is the best, and the steaks are just delicious. Big portions. Love it!

  • 4/5 Brent H. 1 year ago on Google
    Came in for a Guinness and a stake sandwich overall experience was ok. The place seemed a bit untidy with empty glasses piled up on the bar and old soggy coasters scattered across tables (considering it wasn't very busy). The young girl behind the bar was doing an excellent job and constantly flat out, she seemed to be pretty much running the place without the help of her coworker. The Guinness was nice in a nice clean glass. The arancini balls weren't very good and a bit over cooked. The stake sandwich was one of the best I have ever had 10/10. I have been in this pub before and experienced it alot cleaner and better looked after. A little disappointed but maybe just a 1 off. I would still recommend this pub based on my previous experience.

  • 3/5 Lauren W. 4 months ago on Google
    A female bar staff was highly rude to me and 2 other customers 1 incident was about food and the other a misunderstanding on her part which she responded aggressively towards me and surrounding witnesses even thought she was out of order. Other than those incidents PJ’s was a great Irish bar with a great atmosphere :)

  • 2/5 Bill C. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food but really stupid rules, ordered food and they knew where we were sitting then the waitress comes out when we're nearly finished and says we have to move because we are eating in a smoking area and could get a big fine, some customer started swearing at us, we never swore once, Australia, land of really stupid rules, never go there again, to PJ Obriens anyway.

  • 3/5 Mike M. 1 year ago on Google
    Food options limited but basic pub grub and ok. It was a bit rowdy and the boom box was banging. Fine if that's your thing

  • 5/5 Kaitlyn 1 year ago on Google
    Great energy, always down for a good pub! Massive plates of food. Indoor and outdoor seating. Darts, pool, plenty of seating options. Karaoke at 10pm Wednesday was a good show!

  • 5/5 Nibha C. 5 months ago on Google
    Had the steak here through the global backpackers deal, which was amazing! Very tasty and great value for money. They also do happy hour from 8-10pm. Great chill vibe overall

  • 2/5 Nautic P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great location and Irish thematic. But don't go in a busy night. Pub is full of gross people. Tables all sticky and dirty where you can't even leave your arms on. There was almost multiple people kicked out because of fights inside the venue. Definitely not a place to emjoy ad relax with your friends.

  • 5/5 Prue & P. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow awesome food great beer quick friendly staff, little bit more bread with the stew and this place would be perrrfect!

  • 5/5 T T. 1 year ago on Google
    I had the backpacker dinner special with a vegan salad... and it has been the best meal I've had in the first two weeks+ I've been in Australia (including some very expensive meals!). Great ambience as well

  • 4/5 Chris A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great atmosphere Irish feel pub let us enjoy our dinner twice while in Cairns. Good food, great service. Missed hearing the live music on the Sunday we were there :-(.

  • 4/5 james h. 1 year ago on Google
    In a unfamiliar town an irish pub brings a little homely familiarity. They share the same ambience but each in their own way. But all offer a wholesome pint perfectly poured and comforting grub. PJ's is no exception.

  • 5/5 Dieter S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great pub with good food. Take the special, it was really fantastic. The atmosphere was great but it was also loud at the tables. We can recommend this place for a dinner, fair prices.

  • 5/5 Jacob L. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been to PJ's a couple of times and I'm sure I'll keep going back for as long as I'm in Cairns! The atmosphere here is very vibrant, with a great selection of food and drinks to enjoy! Take advantage of their meal deals and happy hours, great pub in the heart of Cairns.

  • 5/5 Tony H. 2 years ago on Google
    Good variety of refreshments, basic meals but very good quality as well a full plate. Bar staff very good and friendly.

  • 5/5 Adrian M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice Irish pub, friendly staff and reasonable drinks, left by10 on a Sat night but didn’t see any dramas.

  • 5/5 Gisela S. 2 years ago on Google
    Looks and feels like the genuine deal. A real Irish pub in the middle of Cairns. The girls at the bar were very friendly and quick too. Will go again when in Cairns.

  • 5/5 Ramon R. 3 years ago on Google
    The P.J.O’ Brie ‘s Irish Pub is nice place to stop and enjoy some drinks. The bar is located in the heart of the city, good location and nice area for walk. The place is really nice, looks like old fashioned. The atmosphere is good and the staff so friendly. Good prices. No many customers on Wednesday(corona situation) but the barman say that the place is very busy on weekends.

  • 3/5 Dean M. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful bar staff, the French girls are beautiful and friendly. And a good selection of beers on tap, including Kilkenny. Sadly not great quality for the meals, and a nasty stale smell everywhere. Oh well. Come for the girls and beer. Order in?

  • 4/5 Heather Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Only there briefly but amazed at the decor & Irish feel - especially loved the "words of wisdom" on the ceiling. Great lighting & a festive feel for the season.


Call +61 7 4031 5333 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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