If you’ve ever stepped through the front door of O’Connor’s Public House on Main Street, you know immediately, this isn’t just another pub with a green neon sign and a Guinness poster on the wall. This is something much more authentic, more soulful. It’s a feeling in the floors, the walls, the air itself. It’s a heartbeat that connects a late-1800s building in Rochester to the rolling green hills of Ireland.
But how did this little piece of the Emerald Isle end up right here in downtown Rochester?
The story of O’Connor’s begins with a dream—a dream inspired by one of Ireland’s most iconic pubs, Gus O’Connor’s in Doolin, Ireland. Known for its warm hospitality, lively music, and rich tradition, Gus O’Connor’s wasn’t just a bar; it was a community hub, a living room for the town. That spirit was exactly what original founder Kevin VanDyke, now business partner to Dimitry, wanted to recreate in Rochester.
“In 2005, there wasn’t anything like this downtown,” Dimitry recalls. “And every town with a beautiful, walkable downtown like ours deserves a real Irish pub, one where the culture, the hospitality, and the sense of belonging come through in every pint poured.”
When VanDyke stumbled across the historic building that would become O’Connor’s, it felt like fate. A structure dating back to the late 1800s? It was the perfect canvas to create something timeless. But not just any Irish pub would do. VanDyke and Dimitry were determined to get it right, no shortcuts, no cheap imitations.
To bring that vision to life, they turned to the Prairie Pub Company, one of only five builders in the world officially certified by Guinness to construct authentic Irish pubs. Prairie Pub specializes in gathering salvaged materials like stained glass windows, worn wood, and wrought iron from old pubs and churches across Ireland, and giving them new life.
At O’Connor’s, every inch tells a story. The ironwork gleams with a history that predates most of the town’s streets. The stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors over tables and conversations. The bric-a-brac on the shelves isn’t just decoration; it’s a curated collection of relics pulled from Ireland itself. Even the original wood floors underfoot have a history older than most of us.
“When you walk through our doors,” Dimitry says, “we want you to feel like you’ve actually stepped into Ireland. Every detail was chosen to tell a story.”
But beyond the beautiful setting, what makes O’Connor’s truly special is its soul, and that soul has always been anchored in community.
Kevin and Dimitry both grew up nearby. Rochester wasn’t just a good business decision; it was home. They wanted to build something that would endure, a place where generations could gather to mark milestones, catch up over pints, and make memories that stick around long after the last round is called.
“We wanted to create something that would stand the test of time,” Dimitry explains, “just like the beloved local pubs in Ireland, where families celebrate births, weddings, and everything in between.”
Today, nearly 20 years later, it’s clear they succeeded. O’Connor’s isn’t just a pub. It’s part of the fabric of Rochester.
Of course, no true Irish pub would be complete without a menu that speaks to the stomach as much as the heart. Dimitry and Kevin didn’t just Google a few Irish recipes; they boarded planes and spent time in Ireland’s pubs, studying what real Irish food looks—and tastes—like.
One dish stands out: the Boxty. In Ireland, Boxty is a beloved staple—a savory potato pancake stuffed with rich fillings. At O’Connor’s, it’s a signature offering, crafted with care and served with a side of tradition.
“We traveled, we ate, we asked questions,” Dimitry says. “We wanted to stay true to Ireland’s flavors but also be open to global influences. That’s what the Irish pub tradition is about—welcoming the world while keeping your roots strong.”
So while you’ll find classics like Guinness Stew and Shepherd’s Pie on the menu, you might also notice a few global twists, a nod to the universal appeal of Irish pubs around the world.
Through every challenge—including the Main Street Makeover Project that tore up much of downtown and the crushing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—the Rochester community stood by O’Connor’s. And O’Connor’s stood by them, too.
The pub isn’t just a place to eat and drink, it’s a true partner to the community. O’Connor’s regularly works with local fire and police departments, supports area schools, and partners with organizations like the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fight childhood cancer. Food drives, fundraising events, and grassroots initiatives find a ready and willing home inside these historic walls.
“Our bond with Rochester is strong,” Dimitry says proudly. “We’ve grown together.”
And grow they have. In the years since opening, O’Connor’s has carefully evolved without ever losing its soul. Two outdoor patios have been added, offering perfect spots for summer pints. Restoration projects have refreshed and preserved the pub’s historic elements, making the space even more versatile for hosting weddings, wakes, birthday parties, and community events.
Yet despite all the upgrades, the core of O’Connor’s remains gloriously unchanged: a warm fire (metaphorical and sometimes literal), a plate of food crafted with love, a pint raised in good company.
Spend an evening here and you’ll understand. It’s in the stories traded over Guinness. It’s in the laughter at the bar. It’s in the Irish music that occasionally breaks out, stirring something familiar and wild in the heart.
O’Connor’s Public House isn’t just about recreating Ireland. It’s about capturing the spirit of home—whether you’re from County Clare or right down the road in Rochester Hills. It’s about providing a place where you can be exactly who you are, where you are always welcome, where every visit feels like a homecoming.
Nearly two decades on, O’Connor’s stands as a living testament to the power of vision, authenticity, and community spirit. And if you ask anyone who’s ever pulled up a chair here, they’ll tell you: it’s not just a pub.
It’s Rochester’s very own slice of Ireland—and we’re lucky to have it.
O’Connor’s Public House
324 S. Main St, Rochester, MI
Open daily | Indoor & outdoor seating available | Live music and good company guaranteed
“When you walk through our doors,” Dimitry says, “we want you to feel like you’ve actually stepped into Ireland. Every detail was chosen to tell a story.”