10/19/09

Half Time Rec = Esquire worthy again

by Como Park Guy

New ownership has brought: 2 for 1s from 7-9 every day, flat screens for the games, a ping pong table, 2010 GoldenTee and Buck Hunter, plus a few aesthetic upgrades. In addition, there is a completely new staff that actually seems to enjoy having you there spending money. They have reduced their drink costs, reduced the cover charge to one night per week yet have continued to book talent. Perhaps the best part is that they left it as a great guys night out: basement bocce ball, billiards, and live Irish music remains a weekly (Thursday) highlight. If the talent that was hired for behind the bar would learn how to pour a proper pint of Guinness and the owners maybe add some Heggies pizza and update the outdated tap beer selection, they would really have something. But alas, there is reason to drink in the Como area once again.

• Pros: Updates, Happy Hour, Bar Games!!!
• Cons: Improper Guinness pours

09/09/09

New Owners - Still Great St Paul Option

by snoboardgirl77

Need updated review of the Half Time Rec. As someone who lives right across the street - new owners have officially taken over 08/09. It is now owned by ex-Mpls cops and some silent partner. Still draws an eclectic mix of individuals. Still have bocce ball downstairs and will continue winter leagues; still has Irish music (and it's been back to Irish since April 09) - HH - from 7-9PM (2-4-1 incl. likes of crown royal), which is something new. Cajun night - which draws a ridiculous crowd will still continue on Sun.

Cons - new staff. The old staff was much better.

• Pros: 2-4-1 7-9PM each night/bocce ball/pool/live music
• Cons: no patio, new staff -

11/09/07

Used to be great

by hoser_71

I used to love this place, but it has changed. It's not even an irish bar anymore. I'm not sure if the ownership has changed, but the workers and the atmosphere has degraded. They have stopped booking as many irish bands, and the service is really rude. I went in with a group of people for a drink on a weekday night and was yelled at by the bartender because someone wanted to buy a shirt. I have been also been threatened by a bouncer for pointing out that people were sneaking in. It's really too bad because it was one of my favorite bars.

• Pros: bocce ball, good atmosphere
• Cons: terrible service, not really an irish bar anymore.

A popular neighborhood staple offering live Irish music since the 1980s.

by Contributor

In Short
This St. Paul institution is split into two rooms with decidedly different personalities. One is a working-class pub with pool tables and dartboards, the perfect spot to unwind after the daily grind. The other room is an Irish nightclub, featuring dimly lit tables and a red velvet-curtained stage for karaoke and live Irish music. For a twist, Texas Hold' Em tournaments go on Monday nights. Then there are the games: Who says bocce ball is played outdoors?

11/12/06

Best Irish place in this town!

by emyvoo

This place is great! I love it when they bring in the Irish Brigade and the Wild Colonial Bhoys! The music is ALWAYS great and the crowd is really friendly and fun!

• Pros: music, service, crowd

03/27/06

User review by kateygirl

by kateygirl

I don't know what that guy is talking about! The Half Ti me Rec is THE place to be on St. Pat's Day! I think a $5 cover to see the Brigade and become a part of history by being there is WELL woth the money! I always have a blast there! I like that they have repainted and I like the new non irish music they are stating to bring in! I love the rec! It;'s a place to go where everyone knows your name!

03/18/05

Half Time Rec - Not the place on St. Pat's Day

by gmaghakian

For St. Patrick's Day celebration, this is not the place to go. A can of beer was $4.00. The bartender moved at a snal's pace (we waited 15 minutes to get a beer and there wasn't anyone in front of us) and there was a cover charge after 4:00 pm. The place is fun but talk about ripping customers off.

08/05/04

the music is great

by Randon

I have been going to "the Rec" since the early 90's and I will keep coming back but not as often. The barstaff has really gone down hil,not one of them can pour proper pint. The atmosphere is funky and this is the only Irish bar (not Pub) that charges a cover for the music.

• Pros: the music
• Cons: , bad guiness

08/02/04

Great Fun, Great Music

by mcvinnie

Check out the Rec on Tuesday nights for the Tim Malloy's. Better than the Dubliner, by far. Bocce in the basement. Darts, hard and soft tip. Pool Tables. Golden Tee. Pinball. Can't get enough...

• Pros: Great Atmosphere, Great People, Great Music

12/06/03

fantastic

by katobott

this, besides the Dubliner, is as authentic as your going to get in the twin cities. The atmosphere is what everyone needs when they've had a really bad day!!