08/16/08

Best Burgers But Bad Service

by Windchimes65

The first time I went to Finnegan's, I had a horrible time and it seems like they couldn't get any part of my order right. In fact it took my husband almost a year to convince me to go back. Now I go there at least once a week. The burgers, oh my god, the burgers are so amazing!! And the irish poppers, so cheesy, so crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, with just a hint of jalapeno. Once I went in for lunch and got the country garden salad (I think that was what is was called). Fresh greens, fig balsamic vinaigrette, dried cherries, and the creamiest goat cheese, yum! And oh my god, they have Smithwicks on tap, a beer I haven't had since I was in Ireland! Awesome!

The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the horrible service. No matter what day I go there, no matter who's "hosting," they are as distracted by the noise and the tvs as any of the customers. I have literally had a host look over at my table, see that I'm waiting for the bill, or for the bill to be picked up, and turn away! One girl couldn't stop playing with her split ends! The servers themselves are polite, but in a restrained, disinterested way. Also it's a bit pricey for a pub, albeit a gourmet one.

I keep going back because I'm hooked on the "bomb" burger, topped with cheese, bacon and avocado, but I sometimes wish the food would be terrible so I could stop going there and braving the bad service. But the food never is, darn it, and I keep going back. Maybe someday the service will improve.

04/15/07

One of the best bar & restaurants in the North bay.

by haroldsmith

If you are looking for the old Bit O Honey (as the previous reviewer on this site must have been) you will not find it at Finnegan's. This place opened last summer (replacing the old Bit O Honey bar) and has upgraded the space tremendously.. not to mention the whole downtown of Novato. It is a locals favorite already.. really good food and the bar scene is great. Drinks are reasonable and the atmosphere is welcoming to all ages. We were in this past Friday and there were families, a good happy hour crowd, and the place was rocking. Oh yeah.. we went back on Saturday am... and had a great breakfast at the bar.. and caught a game on the tv. Felt like we were in a classic SF bar like the Balboa or a east coast spot. Hands down the best newcomer to Marin restaurant and bar scene. My buddies have seen music there multiple times.. Jerry Hannan on Wednesdays and others on Saturdays and the place can hop. We love it. Thank you for bringing this to Marin.

• Pros: beautiful bar.. great food.. good music.. feels like a classic sf or other east coast city spot
• Cons: downtown novato still growing.. more of the same would help build a criitcal mass here for other options

03/02/07

Best Bar in Marin County

by rguehring

This is by far the best place to get a beer or a drink in Marin. The owners are great people. The food is delicious. The crowd is always great. Impossible not to have a great time at this place.