Things To Do
Island Stories: O’Brien’s Social Bar & Kitchen
Charlottetown Area
A Legend Remebered
At the heart of Charlottetown’s Red Shores Racetrack & Casino, a new dining experience has emerged, one that blends history, passion, and the thrill of the track. O’Brien’s Social Bar & Kitchen, which opened in 2024, isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a tribute to one of the greatest harness horsemen in history, Joe O’Brien.
Born in Alberton, PEI, in 1917, Joe O’Brien was a legend in the world of harness racing. With quiet dignity and unparalleled skill, he rose from humble Island beginnings to become a dominant force on the North American racing circuit. His career, which saw him win 4,285 races, was defined by his expert training and conditioning of champion horses like Scott Frost, Fresh Yankee, Armbro Flight, Steady Star, and Shadow Wave. By the time he was inducted into the Prince Edward Island Sports Hall of Fame in 1968, O’Brien had already driven over 100 sub-two-minute miles, set world records, and won prestigious titles such as the Hambletonian and the Little Brown Jug.
Yet, despite his success in the U.S., Joe O’Brien never forgot his Canadian roots. His legacy lives on in the O’Brien Awards, established by Standardbred Canada in 1989 to honour excellence in harness racing, and now, in this newest addition to Red Shores – a restaurant that embodies his spirit of excellence and tradition.
Bringing that spirit to life in the kitchen is Executive Chef Trevor Whelan-King. With over 38 years of culinary experience, Chef Trevor combines classic technique with East Coast flair, drawing inspiration from his roots in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and a career that’s spanned the country. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Canada and a passionate advocate for fresh, local ingredients, he’s designed a menu for O’Brien’s that’s as thoughtful and flavourful as the man the restaurant honours. His leadership brings a sense of heart, heritage, and hospitality to every dish served.
O’Brien’s Social Bar & Kitchen offers more than just a place to dine, it’s a place where stories of the track are shared, where friends and family gather, and where the rich history of PEI harness racing is celebrated. Whether you’re enjoying a meal before catching the action at the racetrack or simply soaking in the atmosphere, O’Brien’s invites you to celebrate the legacy of a true Island icon.
With a menu as exciting as race day and an ambiance that nods to O’Brien’s incredible career, this new establishment at Red Shores is already becoming a favourite spot for visitors and locals alike. Joe O’Brien’s legacy continues, one meal, one race, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
