Donovan's Pub

05/10/09

who knows why this burger got famous.

by SivanM at Citysearch

We went because of all the hoopla regarding their burgers. nice place, we happily wait for an extra long time to get our food. And then it came. The kind of burger you would basically get at any diner. I mean, this was below Applebee's standards. Not kidding you. basically a bland, overcooked (asked for medium, got medium-well bordering on flat out well, and still without any hint of a taste) burger on a supermarket bun. Even the raw onions were tasteless. I can't imagine how they did that, maybe they just left them cut for a very long time. A tired square of kraft's processed cheddar that didn't even get the chance to melt all the way. Terrible disappointment. I have no explanation for the fame this plce got. maybe it's a group thing. Even the service was pretty bad, not that I care much about those things. At least the thick fries were pretty good. Will not return, and neither should you.

• Pros: nice plain atmosphere, pretty good looking old-fashioned pub
• Cons: The inexplicably famous burger

09/28/08

Great place if you're Irish. Apparently no service if you aren't. Should say FOR IRISH ONLY

by Mike789123 at Citysearch

My fiance and I were interested in trying the place out. We say the sign claiming it had the best burgers in NYC so we thought why not. We go in and the place looks nice. Typical pub look and feel. We head to the back and were seated in a tiny corner when then entire back dining area was open. I get the look from the elder individual seating me that I don't really belong here, but I ignore it. No big deal for now. We are looking at the menu and we are ready to order. The waiter takes the order of a man sitting before us. I make eye contact with the waiter, but he goes to the kitchen to give the order. No big deal. Another couple comes in, and their order is taken right away. hmmmm. I make eye contact again with the waiter, but he is running into the kitchen to give in order. I'm ok for now. Another group comes in and their order is taken quickly as they are seated. My fiance and I just decide to get up and leave. For a place that has a saying in Gaelic stating 100,000 welcomes, it should have an asterisk next to it saying ONLY IF YOU ARE IRISH.

• Pros: Other places to eat in the area
• Cons: Need to be white to get service

04/13/07

Great Food, Friendly Staff. Worth the trip.

by polinski at Citysearch

The burger was as advertised. Compared to the rest of the pubs in the neighborhood, the pints were a bit cheaper. Disappointed that there is no Happy Hour (Not sure why they mention "happy-hour suds" in the description). Definately a nice stop-off before heading into Manhattan or out to Shea.

• Pros: Staff, Food
• Cons: Crowd can be a hassle

07/12/06

good brewskies great burgers

by geomacke at Citysearch

Brewskies are great and the burgers are awesome!!! Priced just right for the middle class working neighborhood and won't break you if you bring your old lady!!

Weekends tend to be a little fiesty and over crowded, I don't like drinking on the street getting my pint passed back from the bar!!! Get there early and get a seat in the back and enjoy the show. I'm sure before long something of interest will happen. And if your in the back enjoy their menu, Burgers tops in the city. I have never known a hooligan to knock over someone's table.

• Pros: just about everything
• Cons: weekend crowds, parking

06/04/06

BEST BURGERS EVER!!

by honestfoodluver at Citysearch

I'm very picky when it comes to food. I saw great reviews for their burgers, and I just had to try it. The reviews were not exaggerating one bit. They have the best burgers I have EVER had!! It was so juicy, so succulent with excellent flavor. Not to mention, the prices are fabulous!! It's definitely worth EVERY penny. Also, it goes great with beer.

One piece of advice, make sure to bring cash because they don't accept credit/debit cards. There's an ATM right across the street anyway.

• Pros: Food, Inexpensive, Atmosphere
• Cons: Parking

05/09/06

User review by jimdonovan

by jimdonovan at Citysearch

this is where to go where you can eat as cheap as you can to eat home and it is better,great burger and the daily specials are as great.

03/14/06

Great Everything

by girlfromwoodside at Citysearch

I've been going to Donovan's for years. Great everything. Inexpensive and cozy. They DO NOT take credit cards and Parking IS TOUGH, but worth it. There is a bank two blocks away to get cash if needed.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Cozy, Friendly
• Cons: No CC's , Parking

11/08/05

Excellent little Irish Pub

by krench33 at Citysearch

There is a big sign on the outside of the place stating that people had voted Donovan's to have the best burger in New York, so being that we moved here just a month ago, we had to try it. It was one of the best burgers I had. It was extremely juicy and rather big. Especially for the price. The atmosphere was very laid back and it made you feel right at home. The service was excellent also. We will be going back quite often to enjoy some inexpensive, filling, and very tasty burgers! P.S. I don't think they take credit cards, so have cash as a backup to be safe.

• Pros: Great Burgers , Great atmosphere, Great Price
• Cons: None

06/15/05

FANTASTIC!!!!!!

by tele at Citysearch

BEEN GOING THERE FOR 23 YRS, I NEVER ORDERD THE HAMBURGER UNTIL I READ SOMETHING ABOUT IT IN NEWSDAY, WENT RIGHT AFTER THAT, WOW,,REALLY THE BEST I EVER HAD,,

• Pros: THE WHOLE PLACE
• Cons: THE EL TRAIN

05/18/05

Absolutely Love Donovan's!!!

by megcons at Citysearch

My parents have been taking me here since I was a child and it just gets better each time. The people are so friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the food is unbelievable. This is the best hamburger you will find in the city or anywhere else! It is definitely worth the trip to Woodside. If that doesn't convince you, the prices certainly will. They're so affordable, you don't even need to bring a credit card.

• Pros: Food, Price, Service
• Cons: none