Irish Rec Room

100% Water Street crowd, what more could you ask for? This place fills up quickly especially after any Marquette events. A bar with a rock climbing wall inside, live music and cool atmosphere. I’m not sure if they were going for a sports bar, a dance club or an Irish pub but who cares as they smashed all three into once place. The music is loud and the drinks are flowing. This place is definitely worth a second, third, fourth chance.

Not a bad little bar. Looks like the early to mid 20’s are the patrons they are attracting in here. What kind of bar is it though?
It was jam packed with people, having a good time. No BS. Beer prices were decent, except for the Left Hand. Seriously, line them up all night for $ 4! I would definitely return. This is the reason I gave it 4 stars.
I would return for the beer itself. One question, what’s up with the climbing wall in there?

The Irish Rec Room certainly has potential in the otherwise crowded Water Street area, but the execution is a bit off. Is it a sports bar? A dance club? A pub? Pick one and go with it! IRR is your typical pub atmosphere, geared towards a younger crowd, with lots of fun distractions like a rock climbing wall, live music, and arcade games of sorts (pop-​a-​shot!).
Greeters and staff were friendly upon arrival, but as the area filled up with the denizens heading towards this week’s MU basketball game, the staff seemed overwhelmed. Our waitress disappeared for almost 20 minutes after we requested the check.
I wish I could say good things about the food… but it was awful. Fish and chips special included 3 incredibly greasy deep fried filets, standard issue military-​grade french fries (probably direct from the freezer), cold rye bread, near-​frozen butter, and tartar sauce. I guess I expect a bit more quality for almost $ 9. The nachos we ordered as an appetizer arrived at the same time as the fish — and c’mon, I’ve seen a crappy hole in the wall diner make better nachos. Advertised as served with cheese sauce, unmelted shredded cheese graced a mound of chips, along with obviously canned olives, jalapenos, and miniature plastic containers of salsa and sour cream. Execution… failed!
Even though there were numerous college basketball games on television — and the place eventually filled with pro-​Marquette folks — the bar chose to feature an NBA game on the massive projection screen, and one college game on the other TVs. Just an idea, but when the college team that plays across the street from you is in the Big East, and that team’s fans are dining in your establishment, why not turn the channel to other Big East games being televised that evening? I’m sure folks eating here weren’t interested in the Chris Cornell inspired playlist — put the TV on surround!
I imagine when there is not a sporting event happening that Irish Rec Room can get exciting and perhaps inspired with loud music and dancing. The stage was more than adequate for a band, and the sound system was fantastic — so IRR has that going for their business. But overall, the execution needs work — along with the menu. I wouldn’t return, but a younger crowd may not care about the gripes I’ve noted in this review.

Formerly Whiskey River and/​or Bootleggers (neither of which I am familiar with), I peeped into Irish Rec Room for their grand opening. One of my friends was playing with the band, I had the night off, so I figured what the hell, why not?
My bestie and I arrived around 8pm and were greeted by rather attractive bouncers. The interior is pretty spacious, enough seating to go around on a busy night. The bar is lengthy, and full stocked. There’s a stage, a photo booth, and of course, what every bar needs, a rock wall.
The rock wall is an interesting add on. A few bucks gets you a climb, and it was mighty interesting watching some of the «less thirsty» patrons make the attempt. I do believe the proprietor was the spotter this evening. It’s a neat little extra.
It appears the $ 5 Apps & Entreés appears to be a relatively permanent thing, which is a deal given the location. Most of them are standard bar food selections, like cheese curds, wings, fries, pizza, and burgers. I tried a handful of things from the free platters, and everything was solid.
As far as drinks go, regular rail was $ 4, and talls $ 6. I’m fairly certain that is the regular price. I’m still acquiring a taste for beer, but they have a monster selection to pick from, including the standard Irish fare and lots of local favorites. I am delightfully hooked on Magners, thanks to the lead guitar. There don’t appear to be an weekly specials as of yet, but I am excited to find out.
The service was decent. Obviously the staff is new since the establishment is new, but our server goofed up a few times. She kept $ 1 of my $ 11 change for a round of bombs. I would’ve throw it to her anyway, but I was a little irked that I wasn’t given it back first (I find it courteous, but I might be insane). Although I gave her cash, she also accidentally charged my friend’s tab for the same round, but I think it was cleared up just fine.
Parking was monstrous, and we wound up in the potentially private lot in the back. No one got towed, thankfully. Save for the fact it’s winter, I wouldn’t mind walking since its so close to the Riverwalk area anyway.
Element 13 played for the opening, and these guys are EXCELLENT. There is enough room for a great crowd to get going, so LOTS of people were dancing. I had an amazing time.
I’m definitely excited to get back! Hopefully the Rec Room gets rooted in, because I’d love to come back when it’s a little warmer out and see more live bands play!