Dazzling Decor & Pilsner Pints @ Nealy O’Brien’s

Mar 31, 2010 by Derrick Statt

Nealy O’Brien’s Pub

1502 Columbia Avenue
Castlegar, BC
(250) 365-2215

Nealy O’Brien’s is a standard neighbourhood pub with regular patrons, random decor and a simple menu. I’ve been to their Liquor Store on numerous occasions, but this time I was hungry for something more than just a pack of refreshing PBR. The restaurant has a signboard outside their door that posts daily specials. This day it was a Cheeseburger and Pint for $10.99. Worth a try? Sort of.

The burger was a homemade patty and was unique, yet tasty. Somewhat reminiscent of black licorice. The Fries were of the basic frozen variety. The beer, at first flat and stale, due to being the bottom of the Keg, was quickly replaced before I even had a second sip, by the waitress rushing to my aid with an apology and a fresh one…Delicious!

I’d say the food was just average though. And when I got my bill the special was listed as costing $11.62. That’s $0.63 more than was advertised! What the?

Regardless, the booths provide lots of space to get in and out of, no matter your shape. I’m a lanky guy and sometimes booths can require some contortionism skills, but these ones are great.

They have several TV’s and a good selection of regulars that frequent the place and know each other by name. It’s not the type of crowd that shuns new faces though.

The menu is basic pub fare plus pastas, steaks, and a good selection of sandwiches.

You have probably noticed the big-ass Montreal Canadiens light above the building, well step inside this place and the decor just gets better. Several sexy velvet paintings cover the wall around the pool table (which is free to play on Sundays), a sign “Santa Clause Lane” hangs in the hallway to the washroom (very clean bathrooms), and a deer head hangs on the wall forced to live in a state of perpetual holiday with x-mas decorations hanging from its antlers.

Also on the walls are a healthy mix of X-mas tinsel and lights combined with four-leaf clovers and a sign behind the bar that says: “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.” Perhaps this is intended to create a festive atmosphere anytime of the year? I wouldn’t doubt that at least a couple people have belted out x-mas carols in July at this place.

Oh yeah, I can’t forget to mention the t-shirts! Dozens of them from all over the world—some classy, some trashy, some clever, either way they are a unique item to find in a bar and much more interesting than hockey jerseys.

Nealy O’Briens has mostly your basic domestic pilsner selection on tap, but is a well-stocked full service bar. They offer daily food and drink specials.

The food wasn’t bad but not great either. The thing that got me was the incorrectly-advertised price of the special. This is more of a place to come and sip some bevvies and snacks with friends, rather than a place to enjoy a spectacular meal.

Overall, I’m gonna have to give this place a 2.5 out of 5.