M.J. Hobans of Westport
+353 98 50793+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:30 - 23:00
Wed
12:00 - 23:30
Thu
12:00 - 23:30
Fri
12:00 - 0:30
Sat
12:00 - 0:30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, European, Contemporary, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
Situated a stone’s throw from the iconic Octagon Monument, MJ Hoban’s Bar is a historic landmark Westport pub best known for a friendly welcoming atmosphere, good food and traditional Irish music entertainment. Serving contempory Irish food in both MJ Hobans and The Front Room restaurant.
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, European, Contemporary, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
115 reviews
Excellent
89
Very good
10
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
8
Newryoneisback
Newry3185 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
The welcome was mighty everywhere we went in this small town; this pub place was no exception. The only time the locals seem to be uncivil is when they get behind the wheel of a car.
We had dined well through the week and we wanted to give this town centre place a try. It’s just a few minutes from the local town hall.
So I ordered a steak sandwich & chips and my wife opted for a beef-burger to be told it came with bacon and cheese, so it was hold the cheese. Mine was to come with ciabatta so it was no thanks.
My wife was pleased with her choice.
The steak was thin but it was the tastiest most flavoursome sirloin beef I’ve tried in a long time. The pepper sauce was good too but the onion rings were meh.
They had cheap English mustard in tubes but it was not Colman’s mustard and they didn’t have local stouts just mass produced Guinness. If memory serves they only had one local red ale.
I opted for a pint of beer Moretti, an Italian lager which was sort of alright. It was my first try but I wouldn’t want two.
It was a dank Tuesday night, struggling to stay around 12c outside and it was really busy inside. We were there about 6pm, we hadn’t booked and got the last available seats.
The staff were just lovely and as we were finishing our food a young couple came in and were being turned away as there were no seats (apart from the bar) so we opted to shift to the bar and we finished our drinks there.
Them out into the cool night air to walk back to our hotel. Solid 4 star with the beef 5 star. Sort out quality English mustard and improve the onion ring batter folks.
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FergusB
Thank you for your review. I'm delighted you enjoyed your meal and the comments about the beef our chef will certainly be happy to receive.
You are correct in saying that we only have Guinness as our stout option. We did try local ones previously but they had all extremely low sales figures and were expensive to purchase so it didn't make sense to continue to stock them. We do however stock Limeburner IPA (bottled) Rye River Red Ale (bottled) and Jack the Lad IPA on draught. If these were not brought to your attention then I apologise and will talk to the staff about being more aware of product selling in the future.
The mustard situation, as well as all the condiments stocked currently, aren't a cheap option but rather a portion control measure to reduce waste. We do purchase sachets of all condiments to reduce waste but perhaps I can look at different brands to increase the quality and still maintain waste control.
I appreciate the feedback and we do hope we see you again soon. Have a safe and healthy winter.
Written 15 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire Faughey
9 contributions
Really excellent food and service. Everything we ordered was delicious, the food was so fresh, generous potions and really reasonable. The waiting staff were so helpful and friendly. A must try if you are visiting westport.
Written 2 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
Thanks for your fantastic review! We are delighted you enjoyed your visit and meal at MJ Hoban's of Westport.
Best Wishes
The MJ Hoban's Management Team
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brigid Ralph
1 contribution
Food and service absolutely fantastic. We were very much surprised and delighted with the food we were served which was both appetising and presented well. We received pre orders tasters which were very unexpected but received well as they were originally, cauliflower soup with blue cheese and salmon focaccia … absolutely delicious ! The mains we cannot fault , fish, pork all presented with the same quality and taste.
Service was first class and ambiance, atmosphere we just cannot fault. Thank you for a great night and food experience.
Written 6 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
Thanks so much for your review. Our chef always appreciates the detailed positive feedback on our menu and our service team are delighted you enjoyed your visit.
We home to see you again soon!
MJ Hoban's Management Team
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JohnL
Clonakilty1 contribution
Oct 2021 • couples
I ate in the Front Room Restaurant with my wife.
I ordered a Sirlion Steak for my main course and specifically asked the server to tell the chef not to burn the steak... not an unreasonable request for a steak costing €29.00.. The steak duly arrived burned on one side... .I butterflied the steak and ate the side that wasn't burned.
When the server returned and asked how was my main course I told her that the steak was burned despite my earlier request... she made no comment and retreated to the kitchen.
I was expecting an explanation/apology from the kitchen but got nothing back..
The bill came to €93..We tendered €100 and waited a full 10 minutes for our server to return with our change.
Again we thought might get an explanation / apology for the burned steak but not was forthcoming.
Eventually we had to ask the server for our change and left feeling underwhelmed by the whole occasion..
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
We are very sorry to hear that we did not meet your expectations. We pride ourselves on our steaks and we are especially disappointed that we you did not get yours cooked perfectly to order in this instance, and that the waiting team did not resolve the issue at the time.
Our head chef would welcome the opportunity to rectify this and we'd love to welcome you back for another steak, correctly cooked this time with our compliments should you like to book to visit again for a more enjoyable experience.
Kind regards, The Management Team
Written 7 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marie
3 contributions
Similar to 'An File' asked about booking a table at 1pm and was told that they don't do bookings but that we would be ok to just walk in. At around 7.30 we tried to walk in but was told they were fully booked with plenty of tables outside finishing up or free altogether. Made feel very unwelcome and left stuck in town, and it seems customer service is low priority when they have a busy week with pubs open for outdoor dining.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cormacm801
Dear Marie,
We are very sorry that you had a negative experience relating to being unable to book with us for outdoor dining. Unfortunately, as we only have six outdoor tables, they are in high demand and we are not able to provide a full reservation system for them at this time.
We completely appreciate how frustrating this experience must have been for you, however rest assured that your custom is most important to us and we will be able to take bookings again as soon as the restrictions are eased and indoor dining recommences.
I hope you decide to visit in the future and we look forward to booking you in for a more memorable experience when you do!
Best Regards,
Cormac – Manager
Written 14 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SarahC
Dublin11 contributions
A very pleasant experience for dinner with friends. We went to the restaurant upstairs, and the food was amazing. We had a beetroot soup appetizer which was delicious. Then we had a range of starters- including a goats cheese tartlet which was really tasty and well presented.
The special was halibut, another hit! Our waiter was so helpful and also made us some great cocktails! He was also engaging with other customers giving advise on where to visit in Westport! Nice to have some friendly service and good food after a hard time in the industry the last year and a half.
Would recommend a visit.
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
Thanks a million for a great review! We are delighted you enjoyed your visit to the Front Room restaurant and we really appreciate the positive feedback on our menu and cocktails! The service team are also delighted you enjoyed your visit!
Kind regards,
The MJ Hoban's Management Team
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly H
2 contributions
May 2022 • couples
Service and food far exceeded our expectations for a local pub on a single overnight stop in Westport. The surf and turf special was a superbly presented tower of two baby langoustine lobsters atop sea scallops, atop both braised and shredded pork, atop a potato mash. Plated amid two kinds of sauces and steamed vegetables. My wife had roast chicken stuffed with black pudding and potato mash. It was also presented artfully and the flavors of the entire meal were amazing! Our bill with two adult beverages, dessert and coffee was an incredible value. If you are looking for an impressive meal without emptying your bank account, I highly recommend M. J. Hoban's!
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cormac M
Thank you so much for this review. I'll pass on the applause to the kitchen as you sound like you were licking your lips typing which is heartwarming. We look forward to welcoming you again to us here at Hobans. Have a wonderful summer.
Fergus
Written 6 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seán B
8 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Grand bar for a pint if you can manage to get served. Came here for a drink after dinner last week, and were asked our order as we were being seated. We didn't know what we wanted and the waiter offered to get us a drinks menu.
The drinks menu never arrived, and we continued to watch the same waiter serve other customers while blatantly ignoring us. We tried to grab his attention multiple times but to no avail as he was actively avoiding eye contact. After 20 minutes of waiting, we eventually flagged him down and ordered drinks to which a gave a disinterested non verbal response. It seemed as though we had personally offended him by not knowing our order on arrival. His behaviour was quite bizarre and we couldn't understand why we were being given the cold shoulder.
Thankfully, he finished not long after, and the rest of our interactions were friendly and pleasant.
Written 27 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
Hi Sean, we are very sorry to hear you had a negative experience when visiting our premises. We pride ourselves om our welcome and customer service so we appreciate the feedback.
It is unusual that our staff would be less than exemplary so we will investigate the matter fully.
I hope you decide to give us another try and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future when you can be sure of a better experience.
The MJ Hoban's Management team
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Galwayman1987
5 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
Went in after seeing the advertisement in westport cinema and said it looked nice.
Thats where the pleasant stopped.
Went in to an empty bar with 3 staff.
Barley got an answer to where to sit. I actually had to joke where is it ok to sit for food to get some sort of response.
Order food and drinks, 1 pint ordered was only 3/4 full.
Food was prompt enough.
Steak was over extremely over salted, and chips were inedible with what I can only describe as a salt shaker opening over them before being brought to the table.
Sauce for partner was never delivered to my partner even though it was listed on the bill.
Waited for it to be delivered but nobody came near us after to ask if everything was complete or OK.
Nor could we find waiter on duty after it.
It wasn't busy.
They took our drinks off the bill after it was explained it was bad.
Told them to try the chips to show how bad they were.
But a 32euro steak cooked like that and not able to eat over half the meal we will not be back.
Terrible service and food.
Staff need a serious talking to about customer service.
I'd rethink your advertisement until in house is sorted.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fergus Beirne
'Dear Galwayman1987.
We have reviewed your visit internally, and unfortunately, we did not meet the high standards we have set and normally provide for both food and service on this occasion. We'd welcome the opportunity to rectify this if you can contact me on fergus@mjhobans.ie
Written 13 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AoiQ19
London22 contributions
We couldn't fault the food at all. It was so delicious. The curried mussels and treacle bread were one of the most delicious dishes I have had in a long time and my husband was delighted with the burger. Everything was beautifully presented, served quickly and piping hot. It was probably just a busy night and I know you are newly reopened but it was sometimes difficult to get the attention of staff. Otherwise, everything was great and would love to return.
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
Thanks for your feedback and your constructive point about service is noted for future improvement. We hope to see you again soon.
The MJ Hoban's Team
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary G
1 contribution
Sept 2020 • couples
Had a beautiful meal here with my husband food was fantastic staff were friendly and very helpful only thing that dissapointed us was the very strong smell of smoke coming from the smoking area. door closer would be a necessity on the smoking area door then everything would be perfect. Thanks
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cormacm801
Thank you for your positive review and bringing the issue around our smoking area to our attention.
While we are delighted to have an outdoor terrace to facilitate smoking it is our priority is to ensure
that diners are comfortable. We have reviewed the situation and are happy that this will not be an
issue going forward.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Cormac
Manager
Written 14 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eileen
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • couples
My husband and I were on a short break away to Westport and I had booked Hobans for a meal a few weeks prior. I happened to mention it was his birthday and our wedding anniversary and requested a table with a window view.We were greeted and brought to our requested table.
To our surprise the waitress brought to the table a bottle of house white pino grigo and asked if we would accept it as a gesture for our celebratory night out.How lovely!
We then had the starters and mains ....delish all round.
No room left for dessert.
I would highly recommend this eatery for groups couples families.
Great atmosphere....considering Covid restrictions!
Great staff and yummy food and wine.
Thank you Hobans for making our night special.We will be back again.
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cormacm801
We are delighted you enjoyed celebrating your wedding anniversary in Hoban’s and we are especially grateful that you took the time to write such a positive review. We hope to welcome you back again in the future.
Best Wishes,
Cormac,
Manager
Written 11 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ire243
8 contributions
Aug 2021 • friends
Visited for dinner and drinks and I have nothing good to say. Food was mediocre at best, scandalously priced. Service was shocking. Staff were all dissinterested. Had to flag down staff to reorder drinks on 2 occasions. Same with asking for the bill. Our plates were cleared mid meal and no one asked us with regards to deserts. The biggest downfall of all was that on social media cocktails are advertised, however when we asked we were told that cocktails weren’t being served “yet”?.
Won’t be returning….
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
We are very sorry you had such a negative experience at our restaurant. This is unusual and not typicla of the feedback we receive so we appreciate you letting us know and we will investigate to see what went wrong.
In regard to the cocktail list, we did have some issues around re-staffing our cocktail bar (due to Covid-19) however this is now fully resolved and we are delighted to offer our extensive cocktail list once again.
We do hope you elect to give us another try and we would be delighted to offer some complimentary cocktails should you mention your previous experience to Cormac our Manager when booking.
Best regards
The MJ Hoban's Management Team
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
niall k
Murrisk55 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
Have eaten here a few times With friends since they opened in July and if you ask for upstairs by the window looking out on the octagon, happy days. Food is just perfectly cooked. I usually go for the prawns to start and then whatever is the special of the day. Cormac and staff super friendly. Look forward to when it’s also just a pub downstairs so we can get that extra buzz 🐝
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cormacm801
Thank for so much for your positive review in relation to your experiences at MJ Hobans. We
are also looking forward to reopening the bar and restarting our music downstairs and can
assure customers that we will not disappoint whenever the regulations permit! –
Kindest Regards
Cormac Manager
Written 1 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie K
Athy1 contribution
Aug 2021 • friends
Had a great experience of indoor dining in Hoban’s upstairs restaurant. My party was extremely well looked after by a friendly and professional staff. The food and wine did not disappoint. The fish dishes were full of natural flavours and beautifully presented. Compliments to the chef. Overall a very safe, friendly and relaxing atmosphere and experience with good quality food, overlooking the octagon. Can’t wait to return.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ Hobans
Thanks so much for sharing your experience at our restaurant and in particular for complimenting our chef!
Our fish dishes are prepared to order using only the best local catch and we are delighted you enjoyed your meal!
We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
Best Regards,
MJ Hoban's Management Team
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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