Tucked away in a strip mall in Glendale, Arizona, Tim Finnegan’s Irish Restaurant and Pub is one of those rare places that feels like a genuine escape. With a 4.6-star rating from over 1,400 happy guests, this cozy spot has earned its reputation as one of the best Irish pubs in the entire state.
From hearty comfort food to perfectly poured Guinness, everything here tells a story worth experiencing. If you have never made the trip to 17045 N 59th Ave, now is absolutely the time to go.
An Atmosphere That Pulls You In the Moment You Walk Through the Door
Walking into Tim Finnegan’s feels less like stepping into a restaurant and more like crossing into a different world. The dark interiors, warm lighting, and classic pub-style layout immediately set a relaxed, welcoming tone that makes you want to stay for hours.
Customers consistently rave about the vibe, with one reviewer saying the place looked exactly like what they had always envisioned an Irish pub would look like. The mix of high tops, booths, regular tables, and bar seating means everyone can find their perfect spot.
Small details like purse hooks and charging ports at the bar show just how thoughtfully the space was designed. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or just unwinding after a long week, the atmosphere here works its magic every single time.
A Wrap-Around Bar That Becomes the Heart of the Whole Experience
Few features define a pub more than its bar, and Tim Finnegan’s wrap-around bar is genuinely something special. It anchors the entire space and creates a social energy that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the Phoenix metro area.
The bar offers a solid selection of beers on tap, including the classic Guinness that keeps regulars coming back week after week. One reviewer loved that the bar offered purse hooks and charging ports, calling these small touches a big deal for everyday comfort.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 PM, making the bar area an affordable and lively place to gather with friends. Grab a cold cider, pull up a stool, and let the conversation flow naturally in one of Arizona’s most charming pub settings.
Perfectly Poured Guinness With a Personalized Touch
Ordering a Guinness at Tim Finnegan’s is not just a drink order — it is a small event. The pub pours it cold and smooth, just the way it should be, but the real showstopper is the custom image printing on the foam head.
Guests can actually upload a photo to the restaurant’s website and have it printed right on top of their Guinness. Reviewers have called this feature both impressive and genuinely fun, making it a great idea for birthdays or special celebrations.
Even without the custom print, the shamrock design on the foam is a charming nod to Irish tradition that regulars appreciate deeply. One long-time customer summed it up perfectly: a proper pour of Guinness is always appreciated, and Tim Finnegan’s delivers that every single time.
Fish and Chips That Have Earned a Loyal Following
Ask almost any regular at Tim Finnegan’s what to order first, and they will point you straight to the fish and chips without hesitation. The batter is perfectly crispy, the fish is flaky and flavorful, and the portion sizes come in both small and large to suit any appetite.
One reviewer described the fish as so good that it did not even need lemon or vinegar to enhance it. The dish was also featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, which added a national spotlight to what locals had already been enjoying for years.
The coleslaw served alongside is consistently praised as a great pairing, bringing a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy fish. If you only try one dish on your first visit, make it this one — it rarely disappoints.
Bangers and Mash That Remind You Why Comfort Food Matters
Comfort food done right is a gift, and Tim Finnegan’s bangers and mash is exactly that kind of gift. One reviewer called the dish absolutely incredible, placing it right at the top of their list alongside cocktails and other standout menu items.
The combination of hearty sausages and creamy mashed potatoes, finished with a rich gravy, is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. It is straightforward, honest cooking that relies on quality ingredients rather than flashy presentation.
The same chef has been cooking at Tim Finnegan’s for 17 years, and that consistency shows up clearly in dishes like this one. When a kitchen stays dedicated to getting the basics right for that long, the result is food that genuinely tastes like it was made with real care and intention.
Shepherd’s Pie That Puts Most Versions to Shame
A lot of pubs serve shepherd’s pie, but Tim Finnegan’s version stands apart from the crowd in a meaningful way. After the restaurant appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, one food enthusiast made a special trip just to try the lamb shepherd’s pie — and walked away completely impressed.
Unlike the greasy, oversalted versions found at many bars, this one is described as well-balanced with great flavors and not loaded with salt. The large portion is filling enough to be a full meal on its own, and guests love that the table seasoning lets them adjust to their personal preference.
Multiple reviewers across different visits have praised this dish, making it one of the most reliable items on the entire menu. Order the large size and settle in — this is the kind of meal that turns a casual dinner into a memorable evening.
The Reuben Sandwich Comes With a Delicious Twist
Reuben sandwiches are a staple on many menus, but Tim Finnegan’s version has a small twist that catches first-timers off guard in the best way possible. Instead of traditional sauerkraut, the kitchen uses coleslaw, and the result is surprisingly fantastic.
One reviewer admitted that Reubens are not usually their thing, but after one bite of this version, they were completely converted. The sandwich is generously sized, and it often comes paired with scalloped potatoes that look unassuming but taste wonderfully rich.
Another guest described the Reuben as delightful and crispy, calling it a highlight of their entire meal alongside potato skins and cocktails. Whether you are a Reuben loyalist or a curious first-timer, this sandwich earns its place as one of the most talked-about items on the Tim Finnegan’s menu.
Warm Bread Pudding That Ends Every Meal on a High Note
Dessert at Tim Finnegan’s is not an afterthought — it is a proper finale. The warm bread pudding has appeared in multiple reviews as a saving grace for meals that needed a strong finish, and it consistently delivers on that promise.
Reviewers describe it as very moist and flavorful, with exactly the right amount of sauce to complement the soft, pillowy texture. One guest even wrote that eating it brought back memories of their mom’s homemade cinnamon raisin bread pudding, which says everything about the warmth this dessert carries.
It is the kind of dessert that feels handmade and genuinely thought-out rather than pulled from a freezer bag. After a full meal of Irish pub classics, finishing with a bowl of this bread pudding feels less like dessert and more like a warm, satisfying hug to close out the evening.
Potato Skins and Starters Worth Ordering Right Away
Starting a meal at Tim Finnegan’s with the right appetizer sets the tone for everything that follows, and the potato skins are a crowd favorite for good reason. Reviewers describe them as delicious and perfectly crispy, delivering that satisfying crunch with every single bite.
The spinach artichoke dip is another starter that gets enthusiastic praise, described as so good that it disappears from the table fast. During happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 PM, appetizers like the Irish potato skins are available at reduced prices, making them an even smarter choice.
Starters here are not just filler — they are genuinely well-crafted dishes that reflect the same kitchen quality found across the entire menu. Sharing a few of these around the table while your drinks arrive is honestly one of the best ways to begin any visit to this pub.
Live Music and Festive Events That Keep the Energy Going
Tim Finnegan’s is not just a place to eat — it is a place where memories get made. The pub hosts festive events throughout the year, including a St. Patrick’s Day festival that drew rave reviews from guests who came specifically for the celebration and the food.
One reviewer gushed about attending the St. Patrick’s Day festival and called the fish and chips they had there some of the best they had ever tasted. Live performers also pop up at the pub regularly, with one guest praising a musician who played a great combination of music that made the whole evening feel special.
Irish music playing softly in the background on a regular visit adds an extra layer of authenticity that guests notice and appreciate. Events here feel organic rather than forced, which is exactly what makes Tim Finnegan’s stand out from every other bar in the area.
Friendly and Attentive Staff Who Make Every Guest Feel Welcome
Great food tastes even better when the people serving it make you feel genuinely cared for. Tim Finnegan’s has built a loyal customer base largely because of a staff that reviewers describe again and again as kind, funny, and truly attentive.
Servers like Lee and Lexi have been called out by name in multiple reviews for going above and beyond to make visits memorable. One guest celebrated a birthday here with friends and family and said the warmth and energy of the staff made the whole experience feel extra special.
Even on busy days, the team here tries their hardest to keep guests comfortable and happy. The owner also responds personally to reviews online, showing a level of dedication to the guest experience that goes well beyond what most restaurants bother to do.
That kind of care is rare and worth a lot.
A Charming Patio Perfect for Arizona’s Beautiful Weather
Arizona weather is one of the state’s greatest gifts, and Tim Finnegan’s makes the most of it with a charming outdoor patio that guests keep coming back to. One reviewer said the quaint patio instantly caught their attention before they even walked inside, giving the pub a welcoming curb appeal that few spots in the area can match.
The patio is a great option for anyone who wants fresh air with their Guinness, and it has been praised as a lovely spot during cooler evenings. Guests have even mentioned spotting adorable dogs relaxing outside, which adds a playful, neighborhood-friendly touch to the whole scene.
With plenty of parking nearby and an inviting outdoor setup, Tim Finnegan’s makes it easy to extend a meal into a full evening under the Arizona sky. It is the kind of detail that turns a good visit into a great one.
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — A Stamp of Serious Quality
Getting featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is not something that happens to average restaurants. Tim Finnegan’s earned its spot on the show, and loyal fans of the program have made the drive to Glendale specifically because of that appearance.
One reviewer wrote that after watching the episode, they absolutely had to try the lamb shepherd’s pie — and they were not let down. Another guest simply called the experience really good and noted there was no service fee, which is a welcome surprise in today’s dining landscape.
Being featured on a nationally recognized food show brings new visitors through the door, but it is the consistent quality that keeps them coming back for more. Tim Finnegan’s has proven it can live up to the hype, and then some, for every guest who makes the journey to this hidden Arizona gem.