J.K. O’Donnells Irish Pub in Fort Wayne

We had just finished a sweltering Saturday around Fort Wayne, and we were in need of some place comfortable, cool, and with good food. Luckily, we had been referred to J.K. O’Donnell’s, having heard from friends that it was a good place with an outstanding beer selection.

We had just arrived right after a World Cup match ended, so the place had emptied out pretty quickly, but it had been packed just moments before. After the big emotional rush of the huge crowd had subsided, our server was still able to keep up his energy and acted as a good host to our party of nine.

Having worked in an Irish restaurant, and spent countless hours in many others, I always look at the menu of Irish restaurants to see if they get it. And J.K. O’Donnell’s clearly does. Bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie — they’re all there. So we all tucked in and enjoyed, my kids even forgoing their usual chicken fingers and cheeseburgers and chowing down on their fish and chips.

The beer selection is spectacular, with more than 65 choices, both local and imported. From light to dark, sweet to strong, Hoosier to Belgian and Irish, you’ll be spoiled for choices. Same is true for Irish whiskey, Scotch whisky (no E), and bourbon lovers — 32 delicious options to choose from.

While J.K. O’Donnell’s is mostly an Irish pub, they haven’t forgotten the kids. In accordance with Indiana law, J.K.’s has a family dining room out of sight of the bar. So if you’re worried about whether you can bring your kids, it’s fine. Bring them around the back, and walk right in.