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January 14, 2008
O'Brien's Kioki
In addition to your usual Irish Coffee, O'Brien's in Santa Monica serves five other fun alcoholic coffee drinks. The Nutty Irishman, made with Frangelico, was beckoning (why are nutty Irishmen in bars always beckoning? Must be my red hair. And their beer goggles).
I wanted something unusual, so I went for the kioki - coffee mixed with Kahlua and brandy. It would never have occured to me to mix those liquers, but it really worked. The bartender made a fresh pot of coffee, and the float of heavy cream on top helped to make this my favorite drink of the night.
The benches were comfortable, and the decor was just Irish enough without being overwhelming. Some pubs can really overdo it with the wallhangings. The restaurant was clean and friendly. I immediately thought it would be a nice place to take my mother for lunch. My husband immediately thought it reminded him of TGI Fridays.
It wasn't overcrowded, and there were plenty of seats. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. There were burly, laughing guys with Irish accents working the door. The barstools were occupied by 20-something blondes in short skirts. So if you're not in the mood for a coffee drink, you still might find something to keep you warm.
O'Brien's 310-829-5303
2226 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Photo by Elise Thompson for LAist
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Love O'Briens, it's irish owned and the food is good too. Music in the backroom is generally really good, although on the weekends it gets too crowded. They pull a decent pint as well.
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In reference to comment one – are you maybe thinking about the O’Brien’s in Santa Monica on Main Street instead of this one, on Wilshire and 22nd?
The are not owned by the same people, although the names are the same (I think someone left to start another one, not sure).
The Wil/22nd was a bomb handout in the mid-1990s, and I am sure still is. Always a good, jolly, happy and fun crowd.