Monday 20th of October 2008 03:22:47 PM

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Ballydoyle is a great stop if you want some entertainment to go with your beers.

The last time I was there the U2 tribute band “Elevation” was playing and the place was packed.

There is a nice bar to your left as you enter. This is also the area of the pub that contains the stage. Cool big windows look out over the main drag. They have a classic old style back bar.

There are three other rooms for drinking and dining. If weather permits, they also have a side patio area. Nice large & clean bathrooms. This place looks like its been open for 75 years, but I was told the building was built four years ago. The builder did a nice job of aging the paneling, adding period lighting etc. The only thing that is out of place is the suspended acoustic tile ceiling. They should have spent a little more for some pressed tin. Still an attractive place for a pint.

Speaking of Pints, they have a decent but not stunning beer selection. The best of the bunch include Goose Island, Bell’s Oberon, Smithwicks, Pilsner Urquel, Sierra Nevada, Warstiner and King Ludwig Weiss. I also liked that they had Point and Berghoff Red. The rest of the choices include Bass, Harp, Guinness, Killian, Blue Moon, Calsberg, Lite, and some ciders. Lots of BMC choices in bottles.

The service has been friendly and given the frequent large crowds, efficient. Never had to wait for a pint.

I would have not have any problem heading back for a beer or two. Makes a nice one-two punch combination with Emmett’s

Sunday 13th of July 2008 10:29:25 PM

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I stopped at this place after dinner on a Saturday night. There was a band called the Neverly Brothers getting ready to play. Because of this it cost me $5 to get in the door and I had to wear some stupid paper bracelet. I normally would have walked away from this silliness, but I was there with a bunch of people.

The place was filling up fast, but somehow my party managed to secure a few seats at the end of the bar.

The bartender was prompt and cute to boot. It doesn't hurt to have your beer served by a pretty face.

Ballydoyle has the usual selection of beers that you would expect to find at an Irish pub. There was Guinness, Boddington's, Hoegaerten, Beamish, etc. I started out with a Boddington's, which was served at a good temperature and in the proper glass. After I finished that off, I tried a Beamish, which I had never had before. It was very good and I would drink it again if I were to encounter it. Unfortunately I have really fallen in love with local microbrews, so I am not as excited about these imports.

We didn't eat anything so I cannot comment on the food.

Once the band started playing things got loud and the crowd continued to fill the place. It was a nice atmosphere and a good place to enjoy a few beers. The noise made it hard to carry on a conversation though.

Overall, my experience at Ballydoyle was enjoyable. I might stop in again if I were in the area, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to go there, because it is pretty far from where I live.

Monday 26th of November 2007 12:22:31 PM

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This ultra popular beer bar has a huge selection of fine English and Irish beers, great menu and excellent service to support it all! Stop buy on a weeknight for dinner or just a beer or dare to stop by on a weekend night and you may find yourself waiting for a table in a packed house. On a Friday night you may find yourself waiting an hour and a half for a table.

Many great acts perform regularly at this location as you will find the entertainment a joy. This Irish pub style restaurant gets pretty smokey but features a number of separate dining rooms off the main bar area. The full menu features an award winning rueben sandwich along side with a huge selection of tasty appetizers and deserts. May I suggest the Irish Cloud paired with a Beamish Stout! Also on the menu you will find some classic Irish food, regular lunch specials, the average joe staple pub grub, a host of after dinner coffee drinks and a number of beers served on tap or from the bottle.

Beers include your everyday domestic and import macros, Hoegaarden, Boddingtons, a few domestic micros and a selection of mixed beer drinks like black and tans, etc. Another great thing about this location is that all of their beers are served with the correct glass!

Where ever you choose to sit or stand you will find excellent service and an enjoyable crowd. This pub is located in the heart of downtown Downers Grove with plenty of parking.