P.J. O'Brien

What is P.J. O'Brien? Tucked along quaint cobblestone Colborne Street directly behind the historic Omni King Edward Hotel in Downtown Toronto, P.J. O'Brien Irish Pub & Restaurant is a storied Irish tavern established in the early 1990s. The richly appointed interior features stained-glass partitions, hand-carved mahogany snugs, vintage brass lighting, and a magnificent central bar pouring dozens of imported draughts. It serves as a historic sanctuary for Financial District workers, theatergoers, and downtown residents seeking warm hospitality, hearty tavern food, and live traditional music.

P.J. O'Brien Menu & What to Order The kitchen honours classic Irish comfort cuisine using quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The headlining dish is the Beef & Guinness Stew, featuring tender beef cubes simmered for hours with carrots, parsnips, and potatoes in rich stout gravy, served with thick wedges of house-baked Irish soda bread. Another staple is the Shepherd’s Pie, layered with seasoned minced lamb and beef, peas, and rich meat gravy beneath a golden browned cheddar mashed potato crust. Wash down your meal with an expertly poured pint of Guinness Stout—complete with the signature shamrock in the foam—followed by warm Irish Bread Pudding laced with Jameson whiskey sauce.

Know Before You Go Open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. until late (midnight on weekdays, 1:00 to 2:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday), P.J. O'Brien caters equally to midday business lunches and bustling post-work happy hours. Traditional live Celtic music performances are regularly hosted on weekends. The pub sits just steps from King subway station on Line 1, with convenient pedestrian access to the underground PATH network.