J Gilligan’s Bar & Grill

This place is an Arlington icon. It’s a hole in the wall type of joint with typical bar food and drink. Very casual. If you just want to have a few beers and some irish nachos (guilty pleasure), this is the place.

Couldn’t help but come by after seeing that this place made it on the Travel Channel! The coincidence of me going there couldn’t have been anymore perfect either! It was Spring Break, my BFF came to visit, and it was St. Patty’s!!! The stars aligned and we ended up heading over for a late snack.
Despite the circumstances above, parking nor the wait was that bad! We parked in a lot 5 minutes away and walked right in. It took only 5 or so minutes before a server came. The ambience and energy was killer! Green everything, exactly as you would imagine an Irish pub on St. Patty’s!
After seeing the Irish Nachos on TV, it was a natural choice for ordering. Unfortunately the hype made me have very high expectations that weren’t totally met. If the potatoes were fried to have a crisp, that’s really what could’ve driven this review up to a five for me! They weren’t crispy fried and were a little soggy from the oil. The cheese, sour cream, tomatoes and jalapeños were great, as expected.
I guess I was just expecting something really extraordinary :/​To their defense, it’s possible that it being a holiday and the busy-​ness maybe had something to do with the lack of the crispiness. Hehe that kind of rhymes.
I would honestly come back just for the environment alone! The outdoor seating looked awesome and I bet live music from the stage would be a blast!

I found this place looking for transportation to Wrestlemania (parking was $ 60)and I could not have been more satisfied. Located directly across the street from the Chamber of Commerce (free parking) the shuttle service was $ 8 a person round trip. Wanting to save a few bucks we ate at the restaurant. The service and the food was outstanding, despite the place being packed. Everyone was very friendly. This is my go to place when in Arlington.

The atmosphere is very chill. Drinks are very inexpensive. They have live music. It’s a place to lounge around with friends and have a good time. Try their Irish Nachos. You won’t be disappointed!

I finally cracked and ordered those Irish nachos with beef. Wow. Cheap pitchers, cheap wells and the bartenders and servers are amazing. I highly recommend this joint. Kid-​friendly and they got Galaga. Winning.

This is normally a must on our list of places to go when home visiting family. The Irish nachos have always been a must have. Unfortunately our yearly stop in was just ruined by a cockroach the size of a Great Dane crawling along the wall next to us like it was our waitress! All the actual waitress could manage was an, «oh sorry» and a shoulder shrug. DEFINITELY WON’T BE BACK!!!

J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels! J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels! J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels! J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels! J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels! J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels! J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels!
Seriously, being a hometown vet, I usually take the wife for some Irish nachos here every time we are able to make it into town. As we were finishing our meal, I watched a huge cockroach jump up on the table, finish my drink, and lick my plate clean. I have been told that I do exaggerate at times, but after watching the cockroach climb the wall next to us, this place is now forever blacklisted for when we are in town. Also, our server didn’t seem to give two shits about it, like it was her pet roach just hanging out in her section.
J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels!
J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels!
J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels!
J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels!
J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels!
J. Gilligan’s has cockroaches the size of camels!

J Gilligan’s is a staple in Arlington and all the years I’ve been in and around I’ve never been. I’ve been wanting to try the Irish nachos and I wasn’t disappointed. The potatoes were loaded with cheese and jalapenos. I order a side of chicken which was really flavorful. It really wasn’t crowded on the restaurant side but there were plenty of tables and a big TV right in the center. I will come back again when I want some of those nachos. We didn’t venture over to the bar side which to me is pretty cool it’s separated but it look like a good time was being had inside when the door opened.
I would recommend the Irish nachos if you’re looking for a late night in «downtown» Arlington, lol.

This is my first time ever coming here. I got here right at 11, so right when they opened (only customer).I ordered a margarita on the rocks & it tasted like pure margarita mix. Extremely sweet. I went up to the bartender & she was beyond rude & unprofessional. She told me that was how margaritas taste & I saw that she put liquor in it. I told her that I wanted her to remake my drink but she told me no because it would taste the exact same way. Such a terrible first time experience here. Terrible service. Poor Attitudes. Don’t even deserve one star. Do not & will not recommend this place.

We’ve frequented Gilligan’s for decades but tonight they went above and beyond. Randy quoted a great price for the food for our Cub Scout banquet which is great in itself. Instead of us picking it up as agreed, Randy not only brought the food to our banquet himself but he also brought employees to help serve, two large ice troughs, set up everything and served the kids and parents! We can’t thank him enough and appreciate his support of our kids and our community!

First time getting food from here and I was so impressed. I guess I always thought that bar food is always less tasty or lower quality than a restaurant but I was wrong! This place is more than a college bar. I will be getting food from here more. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 was because there is smoking allowed on the bar side and when I pick up Togo from there I am walking through it. I know that would appeal to the smokers of the world and that is just my preference so I still enjoy this place but prolly couldn’t hang out at night to have a drink just because I can’t stand cigarette smoke. Overall, I’m glad I tried it out!

Where to start. Had a server who seemed to care less about the customer. We ordered an app, 10 mins later finely ordered our food. I could see the order pick area, seen our food come up and sit there due to the app not beings done. They rushed the app and 2 bites in the rest came out. My entrée was not right and my wifes, «best burger in Arlington» was horrible. I have had a better burger at Wendy’s. We were going to the pub, after the meal we decided to go somewhere else. This was the first and last time here.

I was very pleased with the service and atmosphere of J Gilligans. Admittedly, we chose this as a meeting place prior to THE concert because of the shuttle service, so didn’t have high hopes for the food or service. Both were so much better than they needed to be! My cheeseburger was yummy and both kids meals I ordered were scarfed down. I also liked that it is set up to accommodate a family crowd in one area and a sports bar crowd in another. I will definitely make this a regular stop when I’m in the area!

Hidden Gem in Arlington… J Gilligan’s –a Dive bar at its finest! We experienced a small town atmosphere with Good Eats and Full Bar! The owner and staff are accommodating, helpful and able to handle crowds relaxed and flawlessly! The shuttle was awesome to and from the Taylor Swift Concert! The Irish Nachos, Quesadilla/​pintos, strips/​onion rings were perfect for sharing before the concert! The restaurant is family friendly with lots of screens and a separate adult bar area with more screens/​pool table etc. for pre-​gaming! A win win! We will be back!
Thanks J Gilligan’s for taking the stress out of our night! XO

I recently visited J Gilligan’s primarily to use their shuttle service for the Arkansas v. Texas A&M football game. When I got inside the stadium, I realized my glasses were missing. I immediately called, and they couldn’t have been any nicer. About 10 mins. later, they called me back saying a driver found the glasses, and I could pick them up after the game. Sure enough, my glasses were waiting for me safe and sound (in a labeled envelope) not a scratch on them! Thank you so very much for taking the time to look, and keep these safely for me. I am so grateful!!!

Best dang Irish Nachos ever! Great staff and a great owner! Wet visit this place as soon as we get to Arlington every time!

Nothing was good nor bad. I think the mashed potatoes are instant and if they are, just add some more seasoning for pizazz. Chicken fried steak was fine. Kind of over breaded. The prices are fair though so you will not feel cheated. Service was up to par as well.

We went to J Gillian’s yesterday to have a few drinks, eat and then catch their shuttle to the Cowboy’s game… The service and food was awesome!!! Friendly and attentive… Their shuttle service worked out great!!’ We shall have to do this again!!!

This place has been an establishment for over 30 years. Their Irish nachos are world famous, and the service is great. They have many regulars, and certain nights and weekends there is live music. Full bar next door, that also features live music. Most of the girls are long-​standing servers, and really know what fast, friendly service is all about. I honestly frequent Gilly’s for lunch at least 1 – 2 times a week.

Not my first time here, but very enjoyable each time I have gone. The music is good, the drinks are good, and the staff is exceptional.

J Gilligan’s is a staple bar in Arlington. It’s interesting because the building is split into a restaurant/​bar on one side, and strictly a bar on the other (with a pool table!). It’s one of those rarities where the food is not just bar food. It’s got a very appealing menu and good drink prices. They have burgers, sandwiches, «home-​cooking» style dishes (chicken fried chicken, etc), and if you don’t want something heavy, they have big, fresh, delicious salads. And of course, you MUST get the Irish Nachos.
I’ve experienced J Gilligan’s as a restaurant experience and also was able to experience it has a venue /​catering experience. (I was a guest at a corporate Christmas party there). The party was on the «bar only» side but they catered it on a large table with warming dishes. It was a lot of fun, plenty of room (luckily they have multiple spaces on the bar side to sit).
We frequent J Gilligan’s one or two times a month. It’s one of those place you suggest and everyone is in! Universally loved place (and with good reason!).

The only good thing about this place was Candice. The 3 stars go to her. The staff needs lessons on professionalism. If you have time to gossip, you should be cleaning up the many things that need cleaning.

We came in before an event at Jerry World because I had heard about the shuttles to the stadium. We walked in and were immediately greeted by what I think was the owner (?) and we purchased our shuttle tickets and sat down to eat. The food was average bar fare. After reading other reviews. we tried the irish nachos, they were pretty good!
Seems like a chill place to grab a few cheap beers/​drinks before a game or event then hop on the shuttle to pay outragous prices for your beers at Jerry World! The return was easy too! We walked over to the place they had dropped us off and about six 18 passenger vans pulled up and got us all back… and best of all it was only 8 $ each!
I don’t know if they do this for Rangers games too, but if I find out they do… I’ll be back more often!

the irish nachos where terrible. i will never go back to this place to eat. THE SERVICE WAS GOOD THOUGH. SLOW SERVICE

A local watering hole for Arlingtonites. Great comfort food for all. The building is wooden and decorated with strange memorabilia.
The bar side (right) is full of smoke on most occasions. If your willing to get a bit smelly and chug down pitches of brew with friends this is the place. The restaurant side (left) is open to all people of ages. The menu is unique in its own ways. Classic stuff and one of a kind items. Just be sure you’re not picky they have a nice sized menu.
My best recommendation is Thursday night karaōke with amigos Jack, Jim, or what ever beer on special in a pitcher. Its fun, you see good one, bad ones, your friends duke it out on the mic. They have two mics btw so drag another person with you.

Whether you go or not there depends on what you are looking for. If you want to go to a smoke filled bar, then this is your place. Head right on over and belly up to one heck of a social gathering place. They have the best beers on tap, at a good price.
They can handle large, to VERY large groups. And even big events.
If you are looking for typical bar food, then they have that also. They have a non-​smoking restaurant side that you can get typical bar and grill food. Everyone talks of Irish Nachos. Believe me, they are just potato skins everywhere else.
Not a bad place, but there are other options in town.

Went in last night just for one drink as they were about to close. Seems like a fun place. Has a lot of room and the people seem friendly. The only down side I see so far is they allow smoking inside. I’ll update my review when I can go and spend more time there.

Wow oh wow. The server was more invested in the football game on the tv behind us than actually waiting on us. The sides, green beans in particular where straight out if the can and they didn’t do anything to hide that. The mashed potatoes where disgusting. The chicken fried steak sandwich was the worst I have ever had and their «fries» shouldn’t even be call fries. Next time I come I’m sticking to ordering off the bar menu. Wish I didn’t have to give them one star because the food is absolutely wretched.

This place is our next go to bar after Bentley’s got burned down in the fire. It is a decent place with good bar space so lots of people can go there. They have a good selection of beers to choose from and free popcorn as well! Smoking is also allowed inside the bar.
Not bad to hang out and chill at!

J. Gilligan’s has a lot going on, good lord! It’s a large, rectangular building divided into two halves; the bar half and the restaurant half. I didn’t actually go into the bar, but I took a peek and saw that that’s where the action is (well, on a Monday night at least).
Adam and I meandered through the restaurant side; a conglomeration of different sized rooms and tables. There were a few arcade games, a TON of photos, random beer and Irish related decorations on all of the walls, a stage area, and a billion four-​leafed clover banners stretched across the ceiling in every direction. It’s overwhelming, but not in a bad way. You walk in and know that this place is thoroughly casual, fun, and inexpensive. At first, I thought it would be fairly dirty inside. But even though it’s a bit run-​down and obviously well-​loved, this establishment is surprisingly clean! Even the bathroom was nice and clean, despite the top of the toilet sliding off.
J. Gilligan’s has a pretty hearty menu full of nachos, burgers, deep-​fried sides, steak and gravy, and salads. Adam ordered a burger with onion rings, and I went for the famous Irish Nachos. I gotta tell you, these things were damn good. Serious slices of real potato in a skillet, baked with a ton of real cheese, then covered in tomato, onion, and jalapeño. I got some sour cream on the side to make it perfect. You get a huge portion for only $ 7.29, which made me super happy. I’d definitely order this dish again (there’s not much else on the menu for the GF! Actually, I’m not 100% sure the Irish Nachos were GF… but these taters tasted baked, not fried).
Fairly decent beer menu here, and even a couple ciders. I order an Angry Orchard (which was on draft) and it paired beautifully with my ridiculously cheesy Irish Nachos!

The dirt is holding this place together. Please don’t whine about how dusty and dingy looking it is. If they read these comments and start trying to clean, the place will fall down. This was party city on Abram during a time when party city on Abram was an oxymoron. Thankfully, it’s still here and still going strong. Block parties now have some company in the downtown area and things are looking good.
There’s a bar section and a restaurant section. The only real difference is the smoke, but that’s an important difference. Parking is limited and is often gated off for events. Park on the street or in the south portion of the grocery parking lot.
The burgers are very good, sandwiches as well. Well, I assume they still are. They were, but I can’t remember the last time I ordered anything other than the Irish Nachos. They’re as good as they were twenty years ago.
They also come out to the Levitt. This is pretty fantastic. A free show on the lawn gets a little better with some Irish Nachos to go with your BYOB.

Went to J. Gilligans last night with the fam. The first time I stepped into J. Gilligans was in 1988. 25 years ago, really? Well the kids loved my wife and I reminiscing about the «good ol days» St. Patrick’s Day parties, first time having Irish Nachos, blah, blah.
Well, everyone, but me had the Irish Nachos (Seems like for the past 25 years, I always ordered them, and nothing else) so I wanted to try something different. I ordered the cheese burger and fries. The burger was cooked to a perfect medium and did not disappoint. We all loved the food, the service was solid, and the décor, well, after all it’s J. Gilligans.