Molly Brannigans Irish Pub & Restaurant

We visited Molly Brannigan’s for the first time this past Wednesday night before the Cirque show at the Warner Theater.
The food was good — I wasn’t overly hungry, but got the Paddy’s Pot Roast sandwich, which consisted of very tender, shredded pot roast with onions, peppers, mushrooms… and oddly enough, a slice of American cheese. I wished that I would have ordered the fries versus the chips so that I could have drenched them in vinegar, but that was my bad. The chips were the standard browned variety — nice and crunchy, but not particularly flavorful.
Sig Other got the St. James Guinness stew which was quite hearty. In the middle of the stew was a big chunk of bread that you could cut with a knife and fork to mop up the sauce. There was a taste in there that reminded me of Mexican food… chili powder, perhaps? Probably not, but that is what it reminded me of.
The downfall was not the food, but waiting on drinks. Similar to what others have mentioned here, the bar service was quite slow. For Round #1, one of the bar staff seemed more content with chatting it up with an older man at the bar while we waited 10 – 15 minutes for our drinks.
Round #2 was equally long and the waitress obviously knew when we had to ask her when we would be getting them. She mentioned a large group had entered, which was true… but it still seemed exceptionally long to wait for two drinks. I had all but finished my meal before my 2^nd beer was brought to the table.
For the delays on the drinks, I am giving MB’s a 3.5 rating versus the 4 that I would have given them for the food quality and the nice waitress.
I plan on going back to try more of their menu items in the future. Hopefully, we’ll luck out and get some speedier bar service next time.

A nice pub; average food, average drinks, nice atmosphere. Went here with a larger party and the food and service were okay. I would go back for drinks, but not if my main concern was having dinner.

I came here for a quick dinner a few weeks ago and being it was the day after a big St. Patrick’s day bar crawl type of event, I was pretty satisfied overall with both the food and service. I had one of their specialty hot apple cider cocktails. I can’t remember the name but it was caramel apple like and pipping hot-​perfect for that cold day! We sat next to the fireplace which I really enjoyed-​that combined with the hot apple cider was so cozy. Our server was friendly and efficient. I decided to do the cup of soup and half sandwich combination, choosing the potato and leek soup (sans the cheddar cheese and bacon-​although those add ons sounded quite appealing) and half of a turkey rachael. The bread wasn’t an overly dark rye nor was it overly greasy like I often find sandwich breads at restaurants. There could have been a tad more thousand island on the sandwich but I’m not going to be knit-​picky here. Portion size was perfect when paired with the cup of soup too-​not overly filling, just satisfying. They seemed to have a little bit of everything here so I would try eating here again given my first experience was decent.

Visited with a group of six prior to the wine on the lake event. Those that had the boxty dish enjoyed their meals. Those that had ordered seafood were less than impressed. My salmon was a 5 ounce serving, cooked well but not well seasoned. The vegetables were all pre frozen and reheated. This is a $ 17.99 entrée in Erie so at the least I would expect fresh vegetables. Not quite sure what is made from scratch but majority appears to be food service. The kitchen ran out of scallops at 5:00 pm. So two in our party had to change orders. One was lucky changing to fish and chips which received high marks. The other went with Mac and cheese with portobellos. I was told this was «tasteless and grainy». Service was acceptable with fairly prompt drink refills and a correction to a mistake in the kitchen. Ambience was very good and this is probably a great place to stop for an after work drink. I would try again before passing final judgment but not a great experience that would bring me back here anytime soon when there are more consistent choices locally.

Male redheaded bartender with beard (Wes) was extremely unprofessional and rude. Threw away drink when back was turned and talking to friends… when asked about drink which was ¹⁄₃ full, Wes stated «didn’t see you and tossed your drink bro». Wes was unapologetic and condescending. Would not recommend this place. In no way attempted to reconcile issue.

We came here last week during a trip to Erie and found the place to be very charming. We came for lunch and everyone was very pleased with the food and service. We ordered appetizers and entrees. I noted when searching for a place to have lunch that this is listed as not good for kids, but they do have a nice kids menu and my son loved it there.

Went here for dinner with a group of friends on a Sunday night and was promptly seated. The waitress was new but did a fantastic job checking up on us. I ordered the shepherd’s pie (without bread) and a cup of manhattan red stew. Both were delicious. I actually finished all of my food. One of my friend is extremely picky and the restaurant was super accommodating. I will definitely be back.

We were the only table and by 8:45pm the waitress told us that the drinks can only be requested at the bar. Not fun.

First off, the design of the bar definitely made it look like a legitimate Irish pub. It was very spacious, was dimmed but not too dark, and even the ceiling was decorated! The food was outstanding — I ate one of their wraps that had some hot sauce in it. WIN. My friend had a burger and he was happy with his meal too. The bartender was really nice too. One day I’ll venture back there for a few drinks!

Fantastic food — get their wings or the Irish Bangers. Great place to go for lunch. Staff is awesome. Excellent beer and liquor variety. The overall feeling the place gives off is one of relaxation. The roof is two chalices meeting — I’m sure it’s meant to be spiritual, but I take it as two drunk deities congregating at Molly Brannigan’s. The whiskey sampler will have you swimming on the floor, be careful.

Was here on 2÷15÷2014
After reading some of these reviews I started to think my experience would not be too great, wrong.
Molly’s hosted my birthday dinner there in their private room on the second floor. Fantastic setting, with up to 40 people to sit. Second floor looks out to the entire bar, along with a great view of the band playing.
Positives:
–Beer selection is huge
–Food selection is diverse, Mac n Cheese w/​pulled pork was fantastic
–Vibe I received from my group was that the food was great as well.
–Great Irish feel, lots of pictures and other things to set the mood that it is an Irish pub
–Staff was very friendly
–Nice area in downtown Erie
–Price ($) is reasonable
Negatives:
–Bathroom was in basement

Visiting town for a month. This is a good place for a decent meal & drinks. On a cold rainy day, their hot ciders hit the spot. I tried the caramel apple cider which was really yummy. For dinner I had the monte cristo, which was also enjoyable. Not a ton of options if you aren’t a big meat eater like the friend I was with. We also shared the pretzel sticks. You get three fat soft salty pretzels to dip in cheese. They were really good. I would go back again, especially if I wanted to go out for beer. Nice atmosphere. Lots of drink options.

Of course the drinks are fine because that’s not a thing a chef needs to cook. So go there and have some. But avoid the food. This place is a bar first and a restaurant never.
And it seems to always smell of an old mop.
I decided to eat there again in spite of numerous bad experiences. I’ve been awkwardly obligated to eating there by others before, but this last time was a self inflicted disappointment.
Fish and chips should be a simple affair. The chips (yes… fries) at Molly B serve mostly just to soak up the oils that rain off the fish like the contents of a broken BP pipeline. The fish was there strictly to make you wish you ordered something else.
My girlfriend had a burger, which didn’t give her food poisoning, but manage to come out just about 30 seconds after the appetizer, which was actually more fries. Seriously.
An appetizer is basically wasted in a place like MB’s. You’re choosing one grease over another and guaranteeing you won’t finish your entrée. Only one way to win the appetizer choice. Get a salad.
Better choice, go across the street to Toro Loco.

I love Molly’s. Molly’s has a great thing going. They flew Irishmen in to furnish the bar which is awesome. You feel like you are in Ireland. They have decent food, I’ve enjoyed everything there but I wouldn’t say I crave anything there though. They have a great selection of beverages that is ever changing. Every time I’m in there they have something new to offer! They have every Irish whiskey you can think if. They are a little pricey on the whiskeys, but I guess they can be. They have a nice selection of beer. Mostly constant taps. With several rotating taps. Not a craft brew place if that what you are into.
Go to Molly’s for the experience. It is a great atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family. Btw, they have an awesome upstairs for private parties. A must do for your outing.

First, the good. My wife got a fish sandwich and it was fine. She has excellent taste, and if she says its good, it is.
Second, the bad. We ordered Sapphire gin cocktails, very dry. They came very wet. We don’t send a lot of stuff back, but they were, to our taste, undrinkable. The waiter seemed to think very dry was just normal vermouth. When, the replacements came, they were hot. Not cold, not cool, hot. We gave up, held our nose, and drank them. I don’t know if the bartender was angered, or what, but they made no effort to chill the gin. I think they pour a lot of beer and just don’t have knowledgeable bartenders.
I ordered corned beef and cabbage. The corned beef was cool and tough. The cabbage was way over cooked. The carrots were ok. I had asked the waiter what was popular and he said the fish dishes. I should have picked up on the nuance.
If you go here, stick with beer and the popular dishes.

Everything was ship-​shape at this location. Appetizers were hot and delivered in a timely manner. Service was friendly and helpful. A few menu items were not available. All parties with me enjoyed.

Excellent Customer Service. But Food was JUST OK. Nothing we had in our group was considered great… It was a moment when you wished you had chosen something different.
Unless it’s an Irish tradition that I am not aware of… who serves soft pretzels with beer cheese ALONG WITH Chocolate frosting and apples? Odd Combination. Wondered if we were having an APP or a dessert.
Clean and comfortable location. just not impressive.
Ordered: Fish and Chips, Irish Stew, Cajun Basket, and Shepard’s Pie, Guinness Fondue, Loaded Fries.

Erie is right next to where I grew up but if you live in Edinboro you are always in Erie. A friend from home recently passed away and there was a get together held at Molly Brannigans. My Unilocal hiatus was because of my recent trips and melancholy. All of our friends came to this spot to celebrate the life of my dear friend also many out of towners. I don’t think I will ever remember this place in quite the same light but I will remember the graciousness of the staff.
I didn’t have a chance to eat here but the bartenders are always fast and personable. After meeting so many new people the atmosphere here was just what everyone needed to feel comfortable. I will be back at some point, and it is so close to the Bayfront a perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the company you are keeping.

Erie is one hell of a creepy ass town, but Molly Brannigans at least allows that thought to slowly fade out of your mind while you sit and nosh away on their delish snacks, like the Guinness Fondue, and enjoy your beer.
Seriously though, a pretty deece pub in my book. Lots of seating and impressive menu/​beer selection. Service was speedy and waitress so friendly. Lovelovelove it.

As with so many places …
It’s «Good for Erie, PA.»
Beer selection is solid.
Staff is hit or miss.
Atmosphere is pretty cool.
Food is abysmal for the price.
Perkin’s may well produce a better burger.
Erie is littered with MANY worse places to drink.