Brookline Pub Closes After 28 Years

BROOKLINE, MA — After some 28 years feet from the Saint Mary's T stop, an Irish pub known to Brookline and Boston alike, is closing.

On Sunday, the family-run O’Leary took to the pub’s Facebook page to let customers know there would be no more Christmas parties, Guinness or Craic.

"After much conversation as a family, and many tears shed, we are announcing that the beloved O’Leary’s restaurant will not be reopening," owners said on social media. "While COVID-19 is definitely a factor, overall it is the best decision for our family as a whole to make at this time."

An outpour from customers was immediate:

"This is devastating," wrote someone named Bryan Stone. "Aengus and Gráinne, you have made my life so happy along with all the others that we have come with over the years."

Many expressed grief at the loss of what had become something of a community center over the years.

Hank Lutton wrote "Thank you for accepting me and allowing me to be part of the neighborhood and family during my time at BU."

Musicians, too, expressed gratitude for the space.

"This is a sad day," wrote Fran McConville Jr. "As a musician, I probably played at O'Leary's more than anywhere else over the years and was always treated like family. The last show I played before the pandemic was here. Thanks for your support and enthusiasm for the music. I love you guys and will miss you, but also wish you luck with everything that the future holds.

O’Leary’s opened in 1992 and offered live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and a menu full of classics like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and Guinness stew.

"This was not an easy decision to make, as this has been our livelihood for almost 30 years. Words can’t explain how much we will miss you all," the owners wrote on Facebook.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.