In March of 1941, James Freeman O’Gara opened the doors of this tavern providing a wholesome atmosphere for conversation and camaraderie. Initially food and liquor was served to the local residents who fought World War II at home by manufacturing supplies and munitions for those overseas. You could even get a haircut from Carl Schulz, whose son, Charles gained international fame with the cartoon strip “Peanuts.” Schulz’s original shop was located in what is now the Shamrock Room.

Gradually, the O’Gara reputation for serving excellent food and drink at a fair price became known and has ensured an ever-growing trade. In fact, O’Gara’s is the oldest family owned operation of its kind in Saint Paul still at the original location. Several people lay claim to employment at O’Gara’s of 35 years or more. The bar has always been an Irish haunt by virtue of its name and clientele, but the family has burnished that image over the years, and they’ve seen the bar become perhaps the busiest place in town on St. Patrick’s Day.

The tradition continues with the third generation of the O’Gara clan. Dan, Tim’s son, started learning the business at an early age and grew to share the same passion for providing great food, fine spirits, and entertainment to thousands of people. Dan and his wife Kris now carry on the O’Gara’s tradition since Tim’s retirement in March of 2003.

The expansion of O’Gara’s is the fulfillment of a dream by Tim, who succeeded his father Jim in 1972. Tim’s knowledge and desire to satisfy has resulted in the expansion of new rooms, including the Shamrock Room and The Shanty. The main bar, The Shamrock Room, established in 1982, hosts jazz/big bands and acoustic sing along music with traditional O’Gara hospitality. This room has played host to many banquets and private parties. O’Gara’s Garage was established in 1985 and renovated in 2011 to become The Shanty, one of St. Paul’s premiere music clubs, featuring the Twin Cities finest local/national acts.

You can also find O'Gara's at the MSP Airport in concourse F, and at the Minnesota State Fair.