Odessa, Z to A, --- Mick O'Neills Irish Pub

It seems odd to me that whenever an individual from North America wants to get together with friends in a unfamiliar location (in Ukraine) they will always say "let’s meet at McDonalds", (If there is one in that district). This is sort of recognized as well known landmark that is easily located. You can’t really do this in the U.S. because sometimes there is more than one Mickey Ds in the vicinity.

Recently, on a night train to Odessa one of my fellow travelers suggested that we have breakfast at McDonalds. After a rough night on the train, McDonalds was not my first choice for breakfast. In Odessa, I usually like to have the full Irish breakfast at Mick O’Neill’s Irish Pub. It is more expensive than McDonalds but I prefer their breakfast over a simple sandwich, hash browns and juice from McDonalds. The full Irish breakfast includes eggs, sausage, grilled onion, potato, ham, toast, tomato and cold beans.

I tend to use this pub as my meeting place when I’m in Одесса. Countless times; I have suggested that friends assemble there. Why would I do this? It is a good spot to people watch; there are cheap local beers and the outdoor patio is open 24 hours. This bar is not in the main area of vul Derybasivska because it is a good distance east of the CityGarden. However, I also like it because it always seems to have a fine mix of expatriates vs. natives. If you do not have a preference for the Ukrainian beers, you can consume the more upscale Irish brews or even the firewater that is Jameson. I don’t usually recommend the food here except for the breakfast. I feel that you can get portions that are more affordable, tastier and bigger at other places just up the street. Amenities include WI-FI, some snooker tables and a currency exchange booth inside.

I feel so comfortable asking friends to meet me at this setting that it gives the impression that it is my base camp in Odessa. But perhaps some Irish men are saying “I don’t want to meet at the Irish Pub, let’s meet at McDonalds"?

Posted by John