McNally's Irish Pub

McNally's Irish Pub was founded by Bill McNally the day Prohibition ended. Legend has it that If Bill liked you, you received the best service in town, if not, you might die of thirst before he made his way over. Fortunately for Oakland, and for his business, Bill liked most people. Since Bill passed away in 1973, the business has gone through few... owners. After Bill, Pat Birmingham took over Mcnally's as it became a hangout for Cal sports teams and boosters. McNally's was solidified as THE neighborhood local. Pat retired in the 90's handing off ownership to longtime bartender Sean Cahill who ran McNally's until the current team of Tobias Hampton and Max Young purchased the bar in 2007. Longtime barmen in San Francisco, they jumped over the bay to take McNally's on. They added some new TV's, a updated tap system and freshened up the barstools and McNally's was back on track. They kept the friendly atmosphere that McNally's became known for over the years, and re-established it as a great neighborhood Pub. Most all of the decor and facilities have remained almost the same: no food, small bathrooms, and walls adorned with memorabilia and pictures of Ireland, JFK, who snuck in for a drink during his presidential campaign, and Jack Nicholas among many other historical items. Max has stepped into the background leaving the daily operations to Tobias and their loyal staff of Tony (bartending at McNally's since 1983)*, Steve (bartending since 2001) Brendan (bartending since 2003) and Patrick who are always happy to serve up a fresh pint, a classic cocktail and a sarcastic aside. This is one of the last true "Locals" left in Oakland. Stop in for a pint, warm yourself by the fire, catch the game, share a story and if you play your cards right you might just become part of the McNally's family. * Long Beloved Barman Tony has recently retired after bartending at McNally's for 37 years. You still might catch him in the corner of the bar enjoying a pint with his lovely wife.Read More