Highlights
- Sports
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » McGilvra’s – Seattle
McGilvra's - Seattle
Photo from McGilvra’s
McGilvra's at a glance
Seattle Edgewater Park
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#607 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#30 American Restaurant out of 38 in Seattle
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
330
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lake views
- Good burgers
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor service
- Bad dishes
The restaurant McGilvra’s, an American Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Edgewater Park neighborhood, offers a fantastic spot where you can catch the game. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
With its focus on sports, it’s an ideal destination for fans looking to enjoy great food and drinks in a lively setting. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a full meal, McGilvra’s welcomes you.
Overview: Introducting McGilvra's
McGilvra’s offers a pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its beautiful view and inviting patio. Many guests appreciate the generally good food, with specific items like burgers receiving high praise.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall price of dishes, suggesting that the value might not always align with expectations. Service experiences can also vary, with some guests encountering less attentive staff.
Good
6.9
out of 10
330
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
88
negative
21
neutral
221
positive
McGilvra’s achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.9, placing it in the good category, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67%. This assessment is drawn from 330 customer opinions, comprising 221 positive remarks against 88 negative ones, indicating a generally favorable sentiment.
Looking closer, the Ambience (7.7) and Food (7.6) are clear strengths, consistently earning good marks for their quality and appeal. However, Service (5.6) registers as average, suggesting inconsistency, while Value (2.6) is a significant area for improvement, frequently cited as a concern by patrons.
What people like
- Stunning lake views
- Well-regarded burgers
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Some disappointing dishes
McGilvra’s presents a compelling option, particularly if you prioritize a great setting and specific menu items. With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, it suggests a visit is generally worthwhile, especially for those seeking a pleasant atmosphere by the lake.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for varied service experiences. If you’re looking for consistent value and flawless service, you might find it a mixed bag.
It’s a place to enjoy the views and select dishes.
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Verdict: Our expert take on McGilvra's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 75.5% across 155 remarks, the kitchen is clearly doing a lot right. Many rave about the delicious Fish & Chips, tasty burgers, and excellent pizza, with sweet potato fries often getting a special shout-out among the 117 positive comments.
However, its not all perfect, as 26 negative remarks point out some areas for improvement. Some diners were disappointed by undeveined shrimp, mashed potatoes that tasted like they came from a box, or a subpar Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The crab benedict also received criticism for being void of crab and drowned in sauce.
Food
155
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
26
negative
12
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Fish & Chips
- Tasty Burgers
- Great Pizza
What people don't like
- Undeveined shrimp
- Boxed mashed potatoes
- Subpar Philly cheesesteak
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was decent, and the wine selection was good. What truly stood out was the fabulous service, especially from our server, Sophia.
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the amazing service provided by Anthony, the bartender. He was a delight to be around, offering great drinks and making the overall experience truly enjoyable.
- burgerYes! The burger was great with the right veggies. The aioli sauce was great, and the waitress was very cute.
- friesThe fries We’re fries were piece of art!!
- menuThe consistent staff and great food options really stand out, as does the varied items available. They offer a great, classic selection and a menu that is really great for an "Irish pub". Seriously, the staff is always so helpful, and the nearby beach and nightlife really make this place a destination and more than just a stop over in the Madison park area.
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the awesome service and the wicked burgers. The good lake view added to the overall great experience.
- fish and chipsfish and chips he had were among the best
- pizzaa large 14" pizza, pepperoni, very nice crust
- BLTBLT is toasted to perfection
- Brussel sprouts with baconBrussel sprouts with bacon are great options
Frequently criticized
- foodsuch shoddy food
- vegetablesthe vegetables were clearly frozen, lacking both freshness and flavor
- Avocado LouieI ordered the Avocado Louie, which featured bay shrimp in an avocado with dressing. Unfortunately, 50% of the shrimp had not been deveined, a basic preparation step that any cook knows should be done before serving. The service was also very poor.
- Children's portiongiven me the Children's portion which is 2 pieces
- Fremont nonalcoholic beerFremont nonalcoholic beer not so great
- GuacamoleGuacamole had waayy too much lime.
- Hugo cocktailHugo cocktail was a little heavy on the syrup
- NachosNachos, $17 made from Juanitas bagged chips, Sysco chicken chunks, cheese, and a light sprinkle of beans and corn.
- Philly cheesesteak sandwichPhilly cheesesteak sandwich is below par
- chicken strips optionlisted a 3 piece chicken strips option
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, offering many delicious options that most customers enjoy. While there are a few specific dishes that might miss the mark, youll likely find something great to satisfy your cravings. Its definitely worth a try for a generally good meal!
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot is a real mixed bag, with a nearly even split of positive and negative experiences across 107 customer remarks. Many guests rave about the attentive and friendly staff, with specific shout-outs to servers like Sophia and Kristen, noting how food comes quickly and they feel truly welcome. It seems the team can really shine when theyre on their game!
However, the service here often struggles, reflected in an average score of 5.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 47.7%. A significant number of folks encountered an understaffed environment, leading to a long wait, inattentive staff, and even some instances of rude waitress behavior. Its clear there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
107
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
51
negative
5
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick food delivery
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Understaffed issues
- Long wait times
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe food was decent, and the wine selection was good. What truly stood out was the fabulous service, especially from our server, Sophia. We enjoyed the great views of Madison Park and the lake, making it a wonderful post-beach dinner location.
- staffThe staff was very attentive and friendly
- waitressThe menu items were very good, and the beverages selection was impressive. Our waitress was very professional, contributing to a 5-star experience.
- serversServers and bartenders are so friendly and nice.
- CourtneyCourtney, our server, was amazing!
- Erin and KristinErin and kristin take great care of customers
- ServiceService:5
- attentiveShe was very attentive
- bartenderAnthony is the perfect bartender!
- bartender and serversthe bartender and servers were so friendly and courteous
Frequently criticized
- servicedefinitely something to improve for their service
- waitressThe waitress rudely sat us, and it was quite clear she had no interest in doing her job with any enthusiasm or professionalism.
- managerthe manager I truly dislike her
- serverOur server took our drink order got our food and got me another drink while dropping it off and then never spoke to us again
- staffbartenders make the entire staff look bad
- understaffedthey seemed understaffed and overwhelmed
- watertold me it cost a dollar to fill up my water
- Uber Eatsuber eats was useless in finding a resolution
- assigning seatsnot considerate while assigning seats… we have kids around
- bar staffBar Staff was rude as hell
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service and a friendly vibe, it could be a hit. But be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less attentive staff, especially if theyre busy or understaffed. It's a bit of a gamble on the service front.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a 7.7 score and a great 84.1% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the fantastic outdoor seating, especially with that stunning lake view, and many appreciate the cozy neighborhood bar vibe, sometimes enhanced by a fireplace. With 53 positive remarks out of 63 total, its clear the atmosphere is a major draw.
However, its not without a few minor quirks, with 6 negative comments. Some found the exterior could use a refresh, and a few were bothered by a whistling kitchen staff. There were also mentions that the overall atmosphere didnt quite match a beach' vibe some expected, or that other bars were superior, but these are isolated points.
Ambience
63
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outdoor seating
- Stunning lake view
- Cozy bar vibe
What people don't like
- Whistling kitchen noise
- Exterior needs paint
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food and drinks were excellent, and the view was truly lovely. The staff was both free and professional, contributing to a great overall experience.
- outdoor seatingweather was great for an outdoor seating
- viewthe patio and it’s view are the best in the hood.
- locationthe location is just across the street from Lake Washington
- patiothe patio and it’s view are the best in the hood.
- ambienceYou go for the ambience and kind of stay for the ambience.
- fireplacewith the fireplace could easily have an incredible pub atmosphere
- lake viewI enjoyed the awesome service and the wicked burgers. The good lake view added to the overall great experience. I've been many times and I look forward to more!
- view of the lakeThe Taco Salad was great, with options for both chicken and beef. We enjoyed the meal on their patio, which offers a nice relaxing view of the lake, directly across from Madison Park Beach. We both highly recommend this restaurant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit is the most annoying experience
- barsnumerous other bars that are far superior
- beach atmosphereThe Food doesn’t really match the beach atmosphere
- exteriorThe exterior cold use a new coat of paint
- kitchen staff whistlingkitchen staff whistles every 30 seconds and it is the most annoying experience
If youre looking for a spot with a great outdoor patio, a lovely lake view, and a chill neighborhood bar feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware of a few minor aesthetic and noise issues, but they dont seem to detract much from the overall positive experience.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
While many diners appreciate a good deal, theres no positive buzz to report regarding the value here. Out of 5 customer remarks, there were no glowing opinions about the pricing, which is reflected in a 0% customer satisfaction for this aspect. The overall score for value is a modest 2.6, indicating its an area that could use some attention.
However, the feedback clearly points to concerns about the overall price and the bill being on the higher side. Many felt the offerings were simply not worth the price, with some items like Nachos price specifically called out for being excessive compared to their perceived worth. Customers generally found the pricing to be higher than expected.
Value
5
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Poor value
- Costly bill
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was highly disappointing. The reuben sandwich was mediocre, and the pizza was just okay, certainly not worth the price. The wait was far too long for the quality of food served.
- Nachos priceThese would be $5 at dive bar.
- billmy bill was kind of pricey being 51 before tipping
- pricesPrices are higher than I would have expected
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet. The general consensus is that the prices are quite steep for what you get, so be prepared for a potentially higher bill than anticipated.
How are the prices at McGilvra's?
You’re looking at roughly 32 $ per person – reported by 50 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 32 $, it’s interesting to note that most diners actually spend a bit less, with the $21–$30 range being the most popular. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly choices to some premium picks.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 50 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in Seattle. There’s a good range of options, so you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about McGilvra's
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Manager's Attitude Ruins Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the manager's behavior. While the food was not bad, the manager's nasty, rude, and unfriendly attitude significantly detracted from the overall experience. She seemed to only be pleasant to wealthy customers, and it was evident that the workers were afraid of her.
The atmosphere received a low rating of 2. I would advise others to avoid this place if they want to have a good time.
- food6
- manager1
- workers2
- atmosphere2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great Service, Poor Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The servers here are very nice and work hard, and the location is great. However, the food quality was just acceptable.
- servers9
- location8
- food quality3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Mixed Experience with Great Staff
Our first dinner stop in Seattle was unfortunately disappointing. The restaurant seemed understaffed and overwhelmed. Despite this, our waitress was truly amazing, constantly moving between tables inside and out.
The table assistant/busser was also great, clearly hustling and very busy. Our meals arrived after a long wait and were unfortunately at room temperature, not even warm. The hostess attempted to help but did not seem happy about it.
When she brought our remade meals, part of the order was incorrect. We let it go and enjoyed the food, which was actually very good. When thanking the hostess, she offered a disgruntled, forced smile without a word.
Overall, the waitress and busser were fantastic, working hard the entire time. The hostess, however, was not very welcoming or personable and seemed to help only begrudgingly. Kudos to the waitress and busser!
- waitress10
- busser9
- food8
- meals2
- hostess3
- remade meals3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Service, Mixed Food Experience
This place has always been a favorite of mine, and I have to give credit where it’s due—the staff are consistently excellent, and the drinks never disappoint. On my last visit, I had a salad that was fresh and delicious, which made me look forward to trying something new this time around. Unfortunately, the shrimp special fell short of expectations, especially considering its price of $23.
While the shrimp itself was cooked well, the sides left a lot to be desired. The mashed potatoes tasted like they came straight from a box, and the vegetables were clearly frozen, lacking both freshness and flavor. Together, they made the dish feel underwhelming compared to the quality I’ve come to expect here.
That said, I won’t write McGilvra’s off. I’ll certainly be back for the atmosphere, service, and drinks, but I’ll be more selective with what I order next time.
- staff10
- drinks9
- atmosphere9
- shrimp special4
- mashed potatoes3
- vegetables3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Waterfront Dining with Mixed Feelings
My experience at this restaurant, conveniently located right by the water, offered a mix of enjoyable dishes and some areas for improvement. We savored meals including the fish sandwich, wings, Florentine Benedict, and clam chowder. While the Hugo cocktail was a bit too sweet for my taste, the clam chowder was unfortunately too watery.
The service was generally friendly and good, but the frequent check-ins from the server, asking if we were doing okay, bordered on annoying.
- fish sandwich8
- wings8
- Florentine Benedict8
- clam chowder3
- Hugo cocktail4
- server3
What McGilvra's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at McGilvra's?
At McGilvra’s, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy a full dining experience from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to delicious desserts and late-night food, all with comfortable table service. It’s a place where you can relax and feel right at home.
Does McGilvra's accommodate families and offer special deals?
Absolutely! McGilvra’s is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones, making it a family-friendly choice. Plus, you can take advantage of their happy hour, featuring both happy hour drinks and delicious happy hour food.
How does McGilvra's generally score with customers?
McGilvra’s holds a Restaurant Score of **6.9**, indicating a good overall experience. Customers particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (7.7) and **Food** (7.6), while **Service** (5.6) is average and **Value** (2.6) is a common concern.
What are the standout features at McGilvra's?
Customers frequently praise the beautiful lake views and inviting patio, making the atmosphere a strong highlight. Specific food items like their burgers and fish and chips also receive positive mentions.
Are there any common concerns about McGilvra's?
Yes, patrons often mention that prices are high, leading to concerns about the overall value. Additionally, service can be inconsistent, with some guests experiencing less attentive staff.