When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
The Blue Leprechaun
Why The Blue Leprechaun is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Blue Leprechaun is a popular Irish pub and sports bar located in the vibrant campus area of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Opened in 2008, this venue offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot for friends and groups to gather, whether for casual lunches, evening drinks, or gameday celebrations. Positioned just steps away from major landmarks like the Big House and Crisler Center, it’s a convenient meeting place for students, alumni, and locals looking to enjoy good company and great food. The Blue Leprechaun boasts a diverse menu featuring savory appetizers, fresh salads, and hearty main dishes—perfectly paired with an extensive selection of beers, martinis, shooters, and specialty drinks. Its welcoming setting is enhanced by sports-themed décor and numerous flat-screen TVs, allowing patrons to catch their favorite games from nearly any seat. The venue’s daily and weekly specials add extra appeal, especially during happy hour from 4pm to 8pm Monday through Saturday. Overall, The Blue Leprechaun’s combination of tasty food, varied drink options, engaging ambiance, and proximity to campus landmarks makes it a highly attractive destination for socializing and relaxation among friends.
Here's what people think of The Blue Leprechaun
As of recent, The Blue Leprechaun holds a 4-star rating based on 557 reviews.
Reviews of The Blue Leprechaun consistently commend the establishment for its friendly and attentive staff, creating a hospitable and inviting atmosphere. Customers appreciate the quality of the food, with particular praise given to dishes such as the Reuben sandwich and sweet potato fries, as well as the Irish-inspired twists on American favorites. The availability of multiple TVs and sports memorabilia offers an engaging environment for watching games, which is especially favored during University of Michigan events. Many reviewers also highlight the reasonable drink prices and appealing daily specials, which contribute to good value. On the other hand, while negative reviews are minimal, some patrons note occasional wait times during peak hours and express a desire for a larger food menu variety. Despite these minor issues, the general consensus is that The Blue Leprechaun offers a clean, customer-focused space with a vibrant but comfortable vibe. In conclusion, most guests find it a great place to unwind, socialize with friends, and enjoy solid pub fare near the university campus, making it a staple in the Ann Arbor bar and dining scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sean Rice
My son and I stopped in to grab a bite to eat. We both ordered different corned beef sandwiches. My son had ordered the larger sandwich, which was priced the same as what I had ordered. When they arrived, I was actually a bit shocked to see the size difference between the two. My sandwich only had a few slices of meat versus the absolutely mound on his. I wouldn't have cared much, except were the exact same price with no additional items for the smaller one to compensate. Had we not ordered the same thing I would likely had not noticed or even said anything, but the side by side comparison was hard to notice. The only other issue was the sheer amount of oil(butter?) that was in the sandwich was so overwhelming it was hard to eat. After it started getting a little cold, it was unappealing. I spoke to the waitress, who asked the manager to come over regarding the issue. I wasn't upset, but genuinely curious as to how the restaurant could charge the same for these two hugely disproportionate items. I wanted them to be able to see the sandwich size difference, since a visual reference helped. From our seat, I could see the manager's reaction to the waitresses comments. The manager went back to the bar and finished her conversation with the people at the bar, cleaned up and after about 10 minutes came over to resolve the issue. The manager explained that while his order should have had double the size, it shouldn't have been this big of a difference. She removed one sandwich from the bill and did provide a gift certificate for future use, but this wasn't really what I was looking for. She didn't address the question, which is how the restaurant justifies charging the same amount for two different amounts of food? This was just sort of shrugged off. Whether it's double or triple the size, that's a huge difference that someone setting the two meals side by side will question. Maybe it wasn't originally supposed to be that way, and someone who doesn't know the food served or the restaurant created this menu and price. I will use the gift card provided to visit them in the future and see if they have resolved these small issues.
Olivia Gratopp
Came here tonight. Sat at the bar. Can’t remember the bar tenders name but I had the best time. Great conversations while the bar was a bit slower tonight. Will come back for the conversations as well as the casual drink.
Mark Yaksich
Zach the bartender is a great time he made creamsicle’s drinks all night they were amazing! Go to the blue lep anyday for a fantastic night when Zach is behind bar!!! :) great time, great staff. live laugh blep! Shelby was an incredible server and super funny, she was cracking jokes and overall just had a really great personality and was also way better than Zach. Yes that may be true but Zach is still way better clearly to anyone with a functioning brain! Which is so valid but Shelby just clearly knows the dynamic of the people and excels at her job:)!
lukas bailey
I really love how the food tastes. The chicken is so tender and perfect, but the burgers are good to. I recommend coming here as soon as possible. There is a catch tho NO FREE REFILLS sorry but no free refills. If there were free refills this place would be perfect. The food is kinda cheap. So come down to your nearest Blue Leprechaun
Trina “One Gaia” Becker
The food and environment were amazing! I understand being a server is super hard work and can be stressful but the staff should not make the customers feel like they’re an inconvenience to them.
How to reach The Blue Leprechaun
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Why The Blue Leprechaun may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Blue Leprechaun with your friends?
Gathering a group of friends for a fun and lively outing is one of life’s simple joys, and The Blue Leprechaun in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers an ideal setting to do just that. This popular college bar-like venue strikes a perfect balance, making it more than just a typical watering hole. Its inviting, relaxed atmosphere welcomes everyone—from students to longtime locals—looking to unwind and enjoy themselves. With a solid 4.0-star rating based on over 550 reviews, The Blue Leprechaun has earned a reputation for great service, affordable drinks, and tasty bar food, making it a reliable choice to host a memorable meetup. The space accommodates large groups comfortably, offering ample seating and dedicated areas like the Red Den, which can even hold forty people or more. This accessibility removes the stress of crowding or feeling cramped. Whether your group is out to cheer on a game, celebrate a milestone, or simply bond over shared drinks and food, The Blue Leprechaun sets the stage for connection and joy. Its inviting vibe combined with competitive drink specials and quality pub fare make it the perfect rally point to catch up, laugh, and create new memories with friends or family.
What activities does The Blue Leprechaun offer for groups?
The Blue Leprechaun distinguishes itself with a mix of activities and offerings that cater widely to group dynamics. First and foremost, this venue is renowned for its vibrant bar scene featuring over 100 drink options available during an extensive daily happy hour span of eight hours. This encourages guests to try everything from well-crafted classic cocktails such as a Kentucky mule to creative house specials, making drink exploration an enjoyable group activity. Sports enthusiasts will find multiple TVs scattered around the space, perfect for gathering your crew to catch live games in a lively environment, with many patrons recommending it as a great spot to watch college sports or other major events. The bar’s menu features delicious, straightforward pub grub that complements the drinks perfectly. Fan favorites include tender lemon-glazed chicken breasts served with fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy onion rings, a classic Reuben sandwich, and sweet potato fries—foods that satisfy hunger without fuss. Additionally, The Blue Leprechaun’s spacious seating, including booths and an area called the Red Den, mean groups can sit together while enjoying personalized service from attentive staff, fostering an intimate yet festive atmosphere. For those celebrating special occasions or just looking for a laid-back day, the mood lighting, sports-themed decor, friendly bartenders, and frequent drink specials collectively enhance group outings with fun and camaraderie.
Why is The Blue Leprechaun perfect for hosting group meetups?
When planning a meetup with friends or family, several key factors matter: accommodating space, quality service, diverse menu options, and an inviting ambiance. The Blue Leprechaun checks all these boxes with aplomb. Its ability to handle large groups, even up to 40 people in private or semi-private sections, ensures your gathering won’t feel overcrowded or chaotic. The management demonstrates strong organizational skills, making sure orders and service run smoothly even for bigger parties, which is often a pain point at busy venues. Moreover, the staff receives consistent praise for their friendliness and efficiency, enhancing the experience with excellent customer care—bartenders like Josh and Lauren have been singled out for their exceptional service. Pricing is another plus, with happy hour specials stretching from late afternoon into the evening, making it easier for groups to indulge in drinks without breaking the bank. The extensive menu encompasses both quality drinks and surprisingly good pub food, which balances affordability with flavorful satisfaction, pleasing a variety of tastes. Finally, the bar’s atmosphere strikes a balance between lively college energy and relaxed casual dining, creating a welcoming environment for all ages and occasions. Whether you prefer to focus your meetup on sports watching, casual dining, or simply enjoying a range of cocktails with friends, The Blue Leprechaun offers an accessible, well-managed venue guaranteed to make your group’s time enjoyable and memorable.
What kind of food and drink can groups expect at The Blue Leprechaun?
Groups visiting The Blue Leprechaun can expect a carefully curated menu that caters to classic bar food lovers alongside those seeking quality mixed drinks. The kitchen turns out popular comfort food staples like a tender lemon-glazed chicken dish with mashed potatoes and crispy, golden onion rings, which have been specifically highlighted for their excellent taste and portion quality. The Reuben sandwich and sweet potato fries come recommended by many patrons, pairing well with a broad selection of available drinks. As for the bar, guests can enjoy more than 100 different options during the generous happy hour window that lasts eight hours daily. Cocktails like the Kentucky mule receive special praise, lauded for their balance and quality. Drink specials run throughout the week, including weekends, which makes The Blue Leprechaun an ideal destination for groups eager to try various libations at reasonable prices. The menu deliberately avoids overly fancy fare, focusing instead on hearty, satisfying meals and strong, flavorful drinks that complement the social, casual environment. Additionally, the many TVs located inside broadcast sports events, making the bar a natural gathering spot for fans who want to combine their love of good food and drink with game day excitement.
What is the ambiance and environment like at The Blue Leprechaun for groups?
The Blue Leprechaun offers an ambiance that balances vibrancy with comfort, crafting a space where groups can both energize and relax. The decor features sports-related accents and a welcoming vibe that caters to a college crowd without feeling overwhelming or exclusive. Lighting is set to be relaxed yet lively, contributing to a mood that supports both conversation and celebration. Multiple TVs placed strategically around the venue ensure visibility of sports action from most angles, making it an attractive spot for game watchers to rally as a group. Seating options range from booths to tables and a large private section named the Red Den, designed to accommodate bigger parties with ease. Staff friendliness enhances the environment, with many visitors praising the bartenders and servers for their approachable, helpful demeanor—a key element when managing groups who may order simultaneously or have varied preferences. The Blue Leprechaun maintains a clean, well-organized setting, avoiding the chaos often linked with college bars while preserving a casual, unpretentious atmosphere. This unique blend of accessibility, attentive service, and spirited environment makes it a natural choice for groups seeking a dependable venue for everything from weekday lunches to weekend celebrations.
How accessible and convenient is The Blue Leprechaun for group outings?
Location and convenience are crucial when planning group meetups, and The Blue Leprechaun’s position in Ann Arbor is a noteworthy asset. Situated on S University Avenue, it lies in a central area accessible to students, locals, and visitors alike. This ease of access reduces the hassle of transportation and parking logistics, which can be significant barriers to group coordination. Operating hours allow for flexibility, with daily happy hours lasting multiple hours and the establishment open through the evening, accommodating both lunch meetups and late-night gatherings. The extensive seating arrangements, including dedicated group spaces, mean booking a spot doesn’t require excessive advance planning or the risk of being turned away due to overcrowding. The establishment’s reputation for strong management guarantees a smooth experience from arrival to departure, while the varied menu and drink specials ensure that whatever your group’s tastes and budgets, everyone can find something enjoyable. Plus, the welcoming environment invites repeat visits, making it a reliable go-to choice for future group events whether casual or celebratory. Overall, The Blue Leprechaun’s accessibility, flexible hours, and group-friendly layout underscore its suitability as a top-tier venue for friends and family looking to rally and create fun, communal experiences.
In summary, The Blue Leprechaun offers a blend of lively, welcoming atmosphere with practical amenities like diverse drink selections, hearty food, and ample space that are perfect for bringing friends or family together. It is a well-regarded destination in Ann Arbor for those seeking an affordable yet quality social setting to enjoy spirited company.