The fact that this Toonari girl is Irish had nothing to do with the amazing experience I had at O’Keefe’s Tavern & Restaurant in Clearwater Florida. O’Keefes was established in 1961 by Bill O’Keefe. When he died in 1969, Joe Smith took over. During this time, O’Keefe’s added on the new addition known as the “Cedar Room.”

In the early 1970s, a car ran through O’Keefe’s, demolishing everything inside. One thing that was ruined was the painting of a naked woman, rumored to be Bill O’Keefe’s wife, which still hangs in the “Tap Room.” The painting was torn at woman’s belly button and a band aid covers her “scar.”

This alone adds a plethora of character to the restaurant. The Duquesnay family has owned and operated the restaurant since they bought it in the 1980s. The small annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations at O’Keefes have become some of the largest private parties in America. With over two tons of corned beef and many semi-trucks of green beer, the party keeps getting bigger and better year after year!

A few dedicated food creators and kitchen managers have been with O’Keefe’s since 1978, relaying a silent message to the public about how wonderful this location is.

With amazing prices and everything from appetizers, such as fried pickles, Irish puffs, and potato skins to delectable entrees, O’Keef’s has got it all. The menu has wings, rubens, hot browns, potato soup – and it goes on for days. Steak, chicken, burgers, pastas, seafood, meatloaf, wraps, dozens of sandwiches, salads, sides,and mouthwatering desserts leave the diner in Irish awe.

Live Irish music, a great bar, outdoor seating, and indoor private booths, each with it’s own television set makes O’Keefes one of the best family owned locations around. The servers were funny, fast, very informed, professional. Some may even performed an Irish jig right at the table, complete with heal clicks and a smile.

O’Keefe’s is an Irish culinary delight guaranteed to please with its great atmosphere, food, and service. O’ Keefe’s is perfect for family, casual outings, or exciting dates so don’t wait! Get out and enjoy Toonari’s pick for this weeks mouthgasimic experience! It is the best of irish food without all the salt, so put on your green shirt, and riverdance over to O’Keefe’s.

O’Keefe’s is located at 1219 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. It is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Image Courtesy of  http://okeefestavernonline.com

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