Sonny McLean’s

When I first moved to LA from Boston, I had a tough time finding a place where I could watch my beloved sports teams in a hometown atmosphere. But when I found Sonny McLean’s, my life changed forever. As I first stepped through those doors, it felt like I had transported myself back to New England, surrounded by Boston sports fans. The walls were adorned with pictures of famous Boston sports icons like Larry Bird, Ted Williams, and Tom Brady, not to mention the echoes of the Dropkick Murphy’s playing in the background. Sonny’s has the feel of your favorite local Irish pub, with a Boston Sports vibe that makes you feel right at home. They have delicious pub food, great draft selections, and multiple tv’s located all around the bar. Can’t think of a better place to watch the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, or Bruins surrounded by passionate sports fans.

I stumbled upon this place as I was killing time between gigs. Great wings, great drinks. Looks like a great place to watch soccer. The bartender Rachel was lovely. Very chill and always a smile on her face. I’m a wing fan. Try the grilled wings naked with sauce on the side. Good stuff.

Walked in here the other night with a friend and had a good time. As you walk in, there are plenty of seating options to choose from like booths, tables, or the bar. Staff was friendly and welcoming. Ordered a few mixed drinks which were awesome and tried out their calamari and boneless chicken bites which were served hot and very tasty. There’s also karaōke if you’d like to sing your heart out! Definitely coming back here soon! Definitely recommend this bar :)

Came here to catch a Red Sox game on Sunday morning. Lots of quality TV’s. But most impressive was the food and the service. Wife and I split the corned beef and eggs over potatoes breakfast– plenty of food for two. No splitting hassle — Andrew brought it out with two plates. We really liked the corned beef — not too salty but very tasty.
Service was excellent. Friendly, careful and not overbearing. Fun experience. I’ll go out of my way to come back again and try other menu items when I’m in the area!

I used to frequent this place like 10 or 11 years ago and always had a good time. They had a decent menu, decent beers, and decent prices. Plus the Wednesday kareoke was always a good time.
I recently went there again for the first time in ages and it was awful. The food quality was much worse than I remember. The service was horrible. And I get that it’s a Boston bar but is it too much to ask to either have music playing or the volume up on a game rather than on some generic awful NESN gabfest?
I’m sure this place is still awesome for going to watch Boston teams play but in all other circumstances it leaves plenty to be desired, which was disappointing after all the fun times I once had there.
Oh, also – it’s 2016, maybe air conditioning would be a good idea.

We usually love this place so much, the beer selection and the food are great! But last night, for St. Patrick’s day, it has been the worst experience. We arrived and saw this long line to get in the bar, so we went ahead and stand in line like everybody else. We waited to 1 hour, and when we reached the front, waiting for an extra 10 min, we realized the bouncer let in 5 people in front of us, people that just had arrived and they did NOT look like celebrities or anything. I saw him taking money from one of these people, others managed to say they were just picking up food… we raised our concern and obaervations with another guy at the door, who responded it was his first day and that we should talk directly with the bouncer. This really sucks and I hope this review help them get better.

Today was a bar hopping kind of day! Willie from O Brian’s recommended this bar. Great recommendation… great atmosphere and delicious cold beer! If you’re in the area go have a cold one!

This is the place to catch your favorite sports teams on air. I used to frequent this spot back in my UCLA days. I went back yesterday to experience the nostalgia of those days.
It was the playoffs and the bar was at capacity. Nothing but Patriot fanatics (not a single Broncos fan in sight). The Pats lost and people were devastated. It reminded me of the World Cup when the Netherlands lost to Spain and I shed a tear (yeah don’t judge me).
The place is almost all regulars. The staff seem to know all the customers which keeps them coming back. It’s a pretty decent spot to check out if you’re in the area, want to get schwasted and watch some sports.

NEW ENGLAND NATIVES BEWARE. This is not a casual pub to come watch your pats in a relaxed environment. It’s just full of douchebags that know surprisingly little about football. You’re better off watching at your hotel than being surrounded by people who are just sizing each other up and babbling nonsense.
Ladies beware! I was made to feel like crap. The «bouncer» (at a casual Irish pub?) looked at me like I was an idiot and told me to stand in line behind a bunch of men (I was a single, New England native, female fan, alone). So don’t expect to be treated even with basic decency let alone gentlemanly behavior.
NEW ENGLAND NATIVES BEWARE. That shit wouldn’t fly in Boston. We make room for our beautiful patriots ladies because they know their football. This pub is a joke. If this is what passes for a pats place out here it’s pathetic. A bunch of judgmental men who know surprisingly little about football who are more interested in how they appear to those around them than the football game. I’d been here once before when I was allowed in and I felt more like a highschool lunch room than anything resembling a sports bar or pub.
So yeah I guess if you’re a vain male who knows little about football this is this is the place for you.

Sonny McLean’s is a really cool spot. I used to live in the neighborhood and go there all the time. Their Mozzarella sticks are really good but my fav is the steak and chips! Once inside their is a East-​Coast Irish feel to it which is really cool. Def recommend this place!

Visiting McLean’s is a must for anyone who considers him/​herself to be a true Pats fan.
We’ve only visited this bar on game nights, but let me tell you — the atmosphere is absolutely electric during Patriots games. If you come in with the right attitude and a desire to have a good time (and you’re in support of the right team!), you’ll inevitably make some friends and most likely end up with some crazy stories to tell.
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— If you’re hoping to score a table for a major sporting event, I’d recommend arriving at least a few hours in advance. Seating can be hard to come by when the Pats are on, but we’ve found that it’s often possible to secure a table after halftime if you’re patient and keep your eyes peeled.
Regardless of whether you’ve got a table or not, Sonny’s has so many TVs to view the game on that you’re pretty much guaranteed a good view, even if you’re standing. Also, it’s worth noting that the bar plays the audio from the actual TV broadcast — so you can be sure that you’ll be getting the best viewing experience possible!
Sonny’s features both a large front room and a smaller billiards room in the back; there’s plenty of room to mingle, but also you’ve also got easy access to fresh air for when the bar really starts to fill up. There’s also a gigantic chalk wall in the restroom — and you can imagine just how ridiculous things can get when you mix said chalk wall with a room full of proud, drunken sports fans!
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— Most of the beers and ales sold at McLean’s are offered in healthy ½ liter (around $ 8) and liter portion sizes ($ 14 – 16). And I’ll warn you now — don’t underestimate those liter steins!
— The quality of the food at Sonny’s varies with what you order.
A bowl of Chili con Carne ($ 11) always makes for a good accompaniment to a stiff glass of beer. The chili features plenty of tender, juicy steak, and you need not worry about running out of chips to accompany your dip — as they’re served bottomless.
Sonny’s Burger ($ 13) seems a little bit pricey, but it’s definitely tasty; you can smell the aromas of the burger as it’s being walked to your table/​seat. The burger is served juicy and piping hot, and the accompaniment of Herbed Fries is just what the doctor ordered when you’re a couple of drinks deep.
— For as good as the lunch & dinner options may be, I can’t say that our breakfast experience here was all that great.
During our first visit here, we split a Breakfast Burrito ($ 12.95). For the price that we paid, the portion size wasn’t very generous and the burrito lacked flavor overall; also, the scrambled eggs were chunky and overcooked.
Stick to lunch/​dinner here, and satisfy your breakfast needs someplace else.
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There are few things that bring me as much joy as celebrating a Pats touchdown with a hefty stein of good hefeweizen. This place checks off all of those boxes on my list, and plenty more.
Good vibes & a good time!

Pretty sure the whole idea of duckin’ into an Irish pub is for comfort, great conversation and a nice pour.
Pour: Nothing good on tap. Crap actually. Flat Tire? No thank you.
Bartender: Completely useless. Let’s just leave it at that, shall we.
Owner/​Manager (didn’t bother to find out which one… didn’t care): Rude and snarky.
Need I say more?

TOO HOT, French fries were just ok, over crowed, drinks were just whatever, came a along way to try this place due to they are a patriots fan base bar, but I won’t be back that is not enough to keep me driving out this far. Get some air in that place and some more chairs, over it won’t be back. Oh and have someone periodically check your dirty restrooms. Only reason I gave it three is because it is a patriot fan base bar.

If feel homesick this is the place to go! It’s your typical Boston bar (smell and atmosphere included). As far as the food goes I’d recommend skipping the appetizers and going straight for the Boston favorites. I had an amazing hamburger with blue cheese and crispy bacon that reminded me of that east coast goodness. Good bun, good meat but I have to emphasise the cheese, it made all the difference. Clam chowder looks good and you can’t go wrong with fried clams.

I’ve been going to Sonny’s for over 15 years and I am bummed to say that I may not be going back. Maybe it was the day we were in, I don’t know, but things just weren’t the same. If it wasn’t for the bartender being stationary I don’t think we would have ever been served.
Sorry guys but service is king and if I had never been here before I would have left after the first 20 minutes of being ignored.
Please try harder next time.

It’s a standard Beantown Irish pub. Fan of the Red Sox? Come here. Fan of the Patriots? Come here.
I’ve been here many times, and there is always sports on.
Order a beer or standard drink when you come here; please don’t do a frous frous cocktail.
Hungry? The chicken tenders are good. At least, that’s what I always eat.
I recall being here once for karaōke one night and had a strange experience where someone pulled my hair. I didn’t like it.
All the other times I’ve come here have been in the daytime, where I’m safe from cave people.
There’s a pool table, dart board, and plenty of seating. Service is good. It’s a good neighborhood bar.

I come here to study and catch up on my work. I’m so sick of sitting in a coffee shop around some of the most slobbish people around. Plus beer is better!
The service here is extremely helpful and actually ask if your ok and offer you great options if your unsure of something!
The Santa Monica Witt was great, I had it last time I went in and definitely recommend it for a summer time beer.
Come for happy hour and get great prices on beer and fry’s.
This is my new study and hang out spot

I came here to reconnect with some old colleagues /​friends one night over some drinks, and we had a great time. I went straight for the whisky menu (wide variety) and the bartender had a heavy pour. Excellent.
The one «downside» for us was that we didn’t know we were sitting right up against the makeshift stage… and they had live performers that night. We had to change tables bc we couldn’t hear each other over the loud speakers and we met up for the purpose of catching up on life haha. The good thing though is that the place is fairly big and not too crowded, we found a quieter corner with ease.

It’s still my favorite place to come watch Boston sports, but the prices are getting pretty high. The alcohol prices do not include tax so a pint of beer will run you about $ 7 or $ 8 at least.
The food is good so the restaurant entrée prices are justified to a certain degree for a pub. I would advise against ordering the corned beef with cabbage. Although the «wagyu» corned beef has excellent flavor, $ 15 for four pieces is unbalanced.
The atmosphere and staff is great, but you’re going to have to pay for it.

If I could give this business a zero star, I would.
**
I am not a disgruntled ex employee, I am a disappointed patron, and this is my review.
We are local residents and have given this place the opportunity to keep our business multiple times but they continue to disappoint. Tonight was by far our worst experience, and even though a couple months ago we told ourselves it would be the last time we would go, we tried one last time tonight.
Ordered a VEGGIE burger. It came with Bacon. The bartender was totally perplexed and returned it to the kitchen. As a long time vegetarian, I have experienced this before so I had a view into the kitchen from where I was seated and watched them simply remove the bacon, wait, and return the plate of food with now cold fries.
The plate returned and upon removing the top bun, pieces of bacon were embedded in the cheese, the bun smelt like bacon and the fries were cold.
Since the kitchen was in clear view with no signs telling me otherwise not to enter, I walked into the kitchen and calmly expressed my health concerns and my disappointment in their disregard to their food preparation, a labor of love.
As I turned to leave the kitchen a «manager» got in my chest and proceeded to scream at me for «yelling at her cooks». I calmly attempted to explain to which she continually interrupted me with more yelling and head shaking back and forth pointing a finger at me and finally telling me to «fuck off»
As I left, the owner of the bar, sat in his normal seat at the end of the bar drinking, I apologized for entering his kitchen but told him he had some amateurs running his business. He proceeded to drink his drink and tell me he disagreed while admitting he has no knowledge i had just been verbally abused by his «manager Jenny» or of his kitchens actions. An extremely mean twat. Good luck with your singing career because this whole bartending thing ain’t working out so well for you.
Ever since this bar changed ownership it has declined rapidly. The current owner can be found sitting at the end of the bar daily if this helps explain anything.
If you have the option to go elsewhere, I’d suggest that. Otherwise roll the dice and hope its karaōke night or at the very least the bartender Steve is working. He does make a nice drink.
*Edit*
I own a restaurant and probably wouldn’t be happy with someone entering my kitchen either, but I would never allow something like this happen in the first place.

Came in with a few friends about a week ago. I was lucky to get parking right behind the building. Limited seats as it was March Madness and the group behind us was very loud.
I ordered a Cobb Salad — overall felt that it’s presentation was to fou-​fou for a pub! Lettuce, tomato, bacon, processed turkey, and a poached quail egg. Overall I did not enjoy or like the presentation

You wouldn’t expect great food from an Irish pub, but Sonny McLean’s is killin it! Fish and Chips are delicious. Shephard’s Pie made with ground lamb! Omg, amazing. Typical bar food and Irish fare — all very good. They have a diverse selection of beers too. Always easy to find something I like on tap.
Otherwise, it’s just a neighborhood kinda divey bar with a Boston following. Darts and pool tables. Plenty of tvs. Abundant street parking. But I go for the food. :)

Irish pub known as a New England sports haven with a live band most nights when there isn’t a sporting contest. I’m here for the Allagash Curieux on tap. Three different Allagash on tap. One pool table. #wilshire-​meets-​26^th-​st

It was, yesterday, St. Patrick’s Day, the equivalent to Thanksgiving Day and July 4 to those in Ireland. I stopped by this Irish place, Sonny Mclean’s.
An Irish band was playing. The décor was perfect for the Day, and the cailíns who were bartending were attractive and helpful. The Guinness I ordered was poured perfectly, and the corned beef and cabbage burrito was very good. I also saw lots of other tempting foods being served to those nearest to me. The back patio area was busy as was the main bar area. Streams of customers were walking in at 11am I was told.
Nice place, better than most other pubs.

This bar is full of energy. Came here to watch a hockey game… but you can definitely feel the Boston-​esque vibe of this East Coast transplant.
Lots of great beers on Tap! The selection is both craft and imports… usually very good choices.
Ordered the chicken wings… came out hot but not cooked all the way.

Very festive! Of course I was here for the World Cup finals. Hard to say what it’s like normally. It’s a really cool chill Irish bar vibe. Reminds me of Boston sports bars. There are many big screen TV and may high and booth tables.
Lots of beer and food items. It’s pricy for a sports bar, but you’re paying for the Santa Monica location?

Went here for the Pats-​Colts playoff game on Sunday and LOVED the boston atmosphere. What I did not love was the horrible service from the rudest server that I have ever encountered. I’ve never written a review this long before but here goes.
I watched the first game standing in the lower section and then moved to the upper section when a couple kindly offered me a seat. The server in the upstairs section (whose name I don’t know) proceeded to confront me about not having a tab with her and demanded that I either open a tab with her, leave her section or else she would throw me out. I tried to reason with her but didn’t really care so agreed to close my tab and open one with her. After I closed my previous tab, the server very rudely came up and yelled at me for not closing it fast enough and told me to leave her section immediately or get thrown out. I ended up returning to my old section (and other nice waitress) and had a fun rest of the time.
The absurdity of the entire situation cannot be understated and I really hope that I never have to deal with that server ever again. Will be coming back for a big boston sports game though.