From serving countless Guinness pints to hosting celebrities, M.J. O’Connor’s in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood has been blessed with the luck of the Irish for a quarter of a century.
The traditional Irish pub is turning 25 this year and celebrating the milestone birthday in true Celtic fashion.
For starters, M.J. O’Connor’s has brought back several throwback specials that diners can order from now until the pub’s actual anniversary on Monday, June 30.
Among these specials include the “Taste of Ireland,” which are Boxty Irish potato pancake wedges served with cheese dip, Irish cocktail sausages, onion rings and chicken tenders.
M.J. O’Connor’s is bringing back some former specials, including the “Taste of Ireland,” for the pub’s 25th anniversary.The Briar Group
Those looking to get more “jiggy with it” can dine at the pub on either Sunday, May 25 or Wednesday, June 25 for M.J. O’Connor’s “Irish Nights” event. These nights will feature traditional Irish music and step dancers as well as whiskey and Guinness pop-ups and giveaways.
The pub will also host a 25th reunion party on Wednesday, May 7. The party is open to all staff — past and present — longtime patrons and other friends of M.J. O’Connor’s.
The beloved Irish pub is also using its milestone anniversary to give back. From now until Monday, June 30, M.J. O’Connor’s will donate $1 from the sale of every Tullamore D.E.W cocktail to the Irish American Partnership. The non-profit organization is dedicated to deepening the connection between Ireland and the U.S. through educational initiatives and community development programs.
Lastly, M.J. O’Connor’s will give guests a chance to win a trip to Ireland, courtesy of Jameson Irish Whiskey and Guinness. Details on the exact date and time have yet to be announced.
Further updates on M.J. O’Connor’s 25th anniversary programming can be found online. All events will be held at M.J. O’Connor’s Park Plaza located at 27 Columbus Ave., Boston.
The original dining room of M.J. O’Connor’s in Boston. The Irish pub added another dining room in 2002 on the opposite side of the restaurant.The Briar Group
M.J. O’Connor’s history
M.J. O’Connor’s opened in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood in 2000. The authentic Irish pub draws on its founder’s roots, who emigrated from Ireland to the U.S. in the late 1950s.
Over the past 25 years, M.J. O’Connor’s has become a gathering space for first dates, championship events, family reunions and more of life’s most memorable celebrations.
“Every pint poured and every meal served over these 25 years represents a connection with our community,” CEO Austin O’Connor said in a press release. “This milestone isn’t just about our family’s journey — it’s about the thousands of Bostonians who’ve made our story possible. M.J.’s isn’t just our legacy; it belongs to everyone who’s walked through our doors.”
L-R: Austin O’Connor the Third, Austin O’Connor Sr., Carlie O’Connor and Sarah O’Connor.The Briar Group
M.J. O’Connor’s has expanded in two ways. The original location in Back Bay opened a second, more modern, space in 2002 as well as a Seaport location in 2008.
M.J. O’Connor’s has also welcomed multiple celebrities including Rod Stewart, Creed, Sir Alex Ferguson, Machine Gun Kelly and Justin Bieber.
