O’Connell’s Pub: History of the Irish Pub in St. Louis. It never changes.

And that’s just what John Parker, the son of Jack Parker, wants. “O’Connell’s is a throwback of what a lot of places used to look like. The FEEL of the pub is the same as it’s ever been. When I took it over from my dad, that was my goal.” John Parker has been the owner, caretaker and GURU of O’Connell’s since 2020. “It’s Jack’s place and I wanted to honor my father. My dad was the most unpretentious person you would ever meet.” He lived by the code: Work really hard and do a really good job. But don’t think you’re super cool, because that won’t get you anywhere. Keep it simple and good.

O’Connell’s began life in Gas Light Square. John’s parents met while working at O’Connell’s. Five years after beginning work there, Jack Parker and a silent partner bought O’Connell’s for $3000. By 1968 Jack Parker owned the pub outright. With the help of Rita Ryan, John’s parents created an authentic Irish pub in South City. Over the years O’Connell’s has welcomed famous people as well as people from all over the world who have created memories and grown with the pub.

The pub has been lucky enough to have long-time employees, including Lenard Voelker who worked at O’Connell’s for 45 years. “When I took over the pub, he helped me emotionally with his stories and details”. In 1972 O’Connell’s moved from Gaslight Square to South City and is still standing. When they moved, Jack switched from London Broil to roast beef and burgers. “It’s a system, not a recipe”, and the famous O’Connell burger was born. John grew up in the pub, learning from the best.

“My goal was to keep O’Connell’s the same including the feel of the pub. It’s about the memories that people have here, people coming back and bringing their families and friends. They are preserving their memories. People bring their own lives into the pub. It’s a touchpoint. I don’t create or manage that; I manage the pub”.

Don’t miss out on O’Connell’s Pub. It’s worth a trip for the burgers, daily specials and a chat at the bar.

Expect Good. Defy Gravity! Sparkle ON! Get yourself to O’Connell’s Pub and enjoy making memories.

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