About Ma O'Brien's
A Warm and Welcoming Irish Pub in Chicago's Jefferson Park Neighborhood
Ma'O'Brien's is a reflection of owner Aine O'Brien's fondest memories of enchanting Irish pubs from her childhood in Clarina, Co Limerick, Ireland. It's a heartfelt homage to her early days of hospitality training at the renowned Dublin Institute of Hospitality, where she honed her skills in Killarney's vibrant hospitality industry. These experiences, combined with the enduring warmth bestowed upon her by her beloved mother, have inspired her to bring a touch of genuine Irish hospitality to the northwest side of Chicago, the entire city, and the thriving Irish community that calls Chicago home.
This welcoming venture is made possible in collaboration with her dedicated business partner, Paul Higgins, hailing from Kilmaine in County Mayo. Together, they eagerly embrace the opportunity to share their unique brand of unmistakable Irish hospitality with the northwest side of Chicago and the city's vibrant Irish community.
Our Irish Home on Chicago's Northwest Side
The opening of this pub in our neighborhood is a heartfelt, personal, and meaningful venture for each of the business partners, both Chicagoans and active members of the local Irish community. Paul Higgins and his family reside in Edgebrook, and Aine O’Brien has lived and raised her children in Jefferson Park over the past two decades.
Illustration: Joe Mills | joemills.com
About Owner Aine O'Brien
Prior to opening her own pub, Aine most recently worked as Google’s Global Catering Program Manager, and previously built a 25+ year career in Chicago’s restaurant and hospitality industry with Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, LYFE Kitchen, Restaurant Associates, and Compass Group.
