LA’s finest and booziest Irish Pub ‘Rock & Reilly’s’ is opening its doors at USC Village Campus October 24th, just in time for football season but three years too late for me to go there everyday after class.
Walking in feels very familiar, even if you haven’t been to one of their other locations. It’s a neighborhood pub elevated with speakeasy-esque touches, warm décor and lighting low enough to bring someone on a fourth date. I would know!
The big selling point here is an expanded menu tailored to the health-conscious campus. There are robust vegan options, headlined by the much-buzzed about Impossible Burger, a meatless delight that tastes like a meat-eater’s dream.
They’ve got signature menu items like Irish Nachos, The Dirty Irish Burger and a Mac & Cheese I’ve heard is unfuckwithable. I tried more than a few wings, a crisp and hearty salad and some tots that all tasted real dangum good.
The drinks. Oh the drinks.
I typically only get beer at these kinds of places; pubs don’t scream ‘fire cocktails on deck.’ But their mules and tastefully mixed whiskey-based cocktails got me open. I had four drinks, am I still a professional?
This bar’ll be a staple of the USC community and beyond; I’m genuinely mad it wasn’t around when I was there. I’d hit Rock & Reilly’s for a happy hour drink, then take a boozy stroll through the aisles at nearby Trader Joe’s, then chug an Americano at Starbucks just to feel alive. This beautiful dream could’ve been mine.
I’m happy for USC, this place is a great addition and a needed central gathering spot for big events. Excited to see how it grows over the years.